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NZXT N7 Z490 Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price in UK:~£220Avg. price in US:~$230CPU socket:LGA 1200Chipset:Intel Z490Form factor:ATX

NZXT N7 Z490 Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

7.0

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components

90%

6.9

Technical Score

10%

8.3

User score

â–²Better than 59% of motherboards
6.9

Technical Score

Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 58% of models
Score components

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

8.1

Platform & Features

16%

6.3

Storage

15%

8.9

Network

13%

4.0

Ports & USB

8%

4.6

Expansion

8%

7.8

Power & Cooling

5%

8.6

Audio

â–²Better than 58% of motherboards
8.3

User score

User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 69% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

User reviews

30%

8.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(170)
amazon
4.3
(61)
amazon
4.2
(53)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(97)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(76)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

â–²Better than 69% of motherboards
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Best prices in UK

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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Verdict

The NZXT N7 Z490 is an ATX motherboard built on the Intel LGA 1200 socket, supporting 10th and 11th Gen Core processors with a 10-phase (8+2) power delivery system. Key specifications include four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB at 4266MHz (OC), dual M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slots, and integrated Intel Wi-Fi 6 with Bluetooth 5.1. Its standout feature is the signature minimalist metal shroud available in black or white, which pairs with the NZXT CAM software for advanced control over four RGB and seven fan channels. Main pros include its sleek, modern aesthetic that conceals most circuitry, a user-friendly BIOS developed in collaboration with ASRock, and 2.5GbE networking. However, notable cons include a limited rear I/O with only six USB ports, the presence of only four SATA ports compared to the standard six, and a lack of PCIe Gen 4.0 support for future-proofing.

Technical Specifications of motherboard NZXT N7 Z490

Technical Score
Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 58% of models
Score components:

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

8.1

Platform & Features

16%

6.3

Storage

15%

8.9

Network

13%

4.0

Ports & USB

8%

4.6

Expansion

8%

7.8

Power & Cooling

5%

8.6

Audio

6.9
NZXT N7 Z490 has a technical score of 6.9 points, which is higher than that of 57.7% of products in this category.
User score
User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 69% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

User reviews

30%

8.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(170)
amazon
4.3
(61)
amazon
4.2
(53)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(97)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(76)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.3
NZXT N7 Z490 has a user score of 8.35 points, which is higher than that of 69.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Popularity:
NZXT N7 Z490 has a popularity score of 8.6 points, which is higher than that of 78.8% of products in this category.
8.6
NZXT N7 Z490 has a popularity score of 8.6 points, which is higher than that of 78.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
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–² Better than 57% of models
Score components:

60%

7.0

Overall score

40%

9.4

Price

7.7
NZXT N7 Z490 has a value-for-money score of 7.7 points, which is higher than that of 56.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
Nzxt
CPU socket
LGA 1200
CPU socket
LGA 1200
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1200 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 61.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
CPU platform
Intel
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel Z490
Chipset
Intel Z490
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel Z490 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 56.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.9% of motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Form factor
ATX
â–² Better than 48% of models
This motherboard has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
4,266 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
4,266 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,266 MT/s, which is lower than that of 54.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.8% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
N. of M.2 sockets
2
â–¼ Worse than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.4% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 64.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.3% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 5.6% of motherboards and equal to 46.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4
â–² Better than 51% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x0/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 51% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.6% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
PCIe bifurcation support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.7% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.3% of motherboards and equal to 32.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
15
Total USB ports (including headers)
15
â–² Better than 48% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 47.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
â–² Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
â–² Better than 49% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8125B
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8125B
â–² Better than 70% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek RTL8125B LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 70.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.2% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
â–² Better than 60% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 60.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.6% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
â–² Better than 65% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 65.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.9% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
full 7.1 needs front panel audio.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Audio SNR
120 dB
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 56% of motherboards and equal to that of 40.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
Headphone amp support
no
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 59.3% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
10
VRM phases
10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
This motherboard has 10 VRM phases, which is fewer than 52.5% of motherboards and equal to 3.7% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
N. of CPU power connectors
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
7
N. of fan headers
7
â–² Better than 72% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 7 fan headers, which is more than 72.4% of motherboards and equal to 9.8% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Pump header max current
2 A
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more

NZXT N7 Z490 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8125B
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Realtek RTL8125B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    N. of PCIe x4 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1220
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    3
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1200
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1200 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151
  • Includes onboard power button
    Onboard power button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    Onboard reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
    Power and reset buttons.
  • Broader Windows support
    Supported Windows versions
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This motherboard has broader Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    N. of PCIe x4 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    3
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 2.0 headers
    N. of USB 2.0 headers (USB-A)
    3
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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 2 Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    2
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8125B
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Realtek RTL8125B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1220
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    120 dB
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    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.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 1.5 more fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    7
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    7 vs 5.5
  • 1 more RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    2
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z490
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z490 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOS flashback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • No headphone amp support
    Headphone amp support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 59.2% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 37.5% more expensive
    NZXT N7 Z490 is more expensive than the average motherboard (£220 vs £160).
    £220 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z490
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z490 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOS flashback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No automatic overclocking
    Automatic overclocking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    This motherboard does not support automatic overclocking, while the average motherboard does. 74.2% of motherboards support automatic overclocking.
  • Fewer useful accessories
    Included accessories
    4x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (4x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable). The average motherboard comes with 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable.
    4x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x0/x4
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • Older HDMI version
    HDMI version
    1.4
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    1.4 vs 2.1
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.1
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.1 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    5.1 vs 5.4
  • No headphone amp support
    Headphone amp support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 59.2% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    Onboard RGB lighting
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    plus 2 NZXT proprietary RGB headers
    1 vs 2

Graphic comparison of NZXT N7 Z490 and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
170 Reviews
amazon
4.3
61 Reviews
amazon
4.2
53 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
97 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
76 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about NZXT N7 Z490?

  • Clean, minimalist aesthetic with a unique full-metal shroud available in black or white
  • Solid performance and VRM stability, even during moderate overclocking
  • Seamless integration with the NZXT CAM software and ecosystem
  • Competitive pricing compared to other premium-look Z490 motherboards
  • Includes modern features like Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and a pre-installed I/O shield
  • Greatly improved BIOS interface compared to previous NZXT models (OEM by ASRock)

What customers dislike about NZXT N7 Z490?

  • Limited storage connectivity with only 4 SATA ports and 2 M.2 slots
  • Lack of integrated RGB lighting on the board itself
  • Rear I/O lacks a high number of USB ports (only 6 total)
  • No official PCIe 4.0 support, affecting future-proofing for later CPU generations
  • The metal shroud can make accessing certain components like the CMOS battery difficult
  • NZXT CAM software can be resource-heavy for some users

Video reviews

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

Compare NZXT N7 Z490 with other products in the Motherboards category

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