Z490

The Z490 is a chipset developed by Intel for its Comet Lake desktop processors, which are part of the 10th generation Intel Core lineup. Released in mid-2020, it supports Intel Socket LGA 1200, designed specifically for 10th Gen CPUs. Motherboards featuring the Z490 chipset offer support for DDR4 memory, typically at speeds higher than standard JEDEC profiles, often through overclocking. They also provide a range of connectivity options, including PCIe 3.0 lanes for graphics cards and NVMe SSDs, as well as USB ports and SATA connections.

A key feature of the Z490 chipset is its support for overclocking both the CPU and memory, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts and gamers seeking to maximize performance. It offers robust power delivery solutions on many motherboards to handle the demands of overclocked processors. The chipset integrates Intel's Rapid Storage Technology, enabling features like RAID configurations for storage. Connectivity generally includes Gigabit Ethernet, and high-definition audio capabilities. While the Z490 chipset was designed for 10th Gen processors, some motherboards might offer limited compatibility with 11th Gen Intel Core processors through a BIOS update, though this was not the primary design intention. The Z490 platform represented a significant upgrade in terms of core count and features for Intel's mainstream desktop segment at the time of its release.