MSI Preps a Host of Intel Z790 Motherboards with DDR4
Intel’s Z690 platform introduced DDR5 to the desktop market, but early DDR5 modules were very expensive and didn’t quite meet performance expectations. But as fast DDR5 kits get cheaper, newer types of memory become more attractive, which is why we expected most of Intel’s Z790-based platforms to feature DDR5 instead of DDR4. we were wrong MSI is preparing a host of his Z790 based motherboards with good old DDR4 memory.
MSI is readying Z790 Edge DDR4, Z790 Tomahawk DDR4 and Z790 Pro DDR4 motherboards that combine Intel’s latest chipset and DDR4 memory. Overclock.net (opens in new tab) (and discovered by momomo_us (opens in new tab)). These mainboards support up to DDR4-5333+ memory modules with 1 DIMM per channel configuration and up to DDR4-4400+ sticks with 2 DIMMs per channel setup. However, a lot depends on the power of the CPU and the processor’s cooling system.
MSI’s Edge, Tomahawk, and Pro motherboards aren’t exactly the company’s top-of-the-line offerings. So the question arises as to whether it’s enough to squeeze all the juice out of Intel’s 13th Generation Core Raptor Lake processors as far as overclocking is concerned.
One of the key features of the unlocked Raptor Lake CPUs is the 350W mode that allows for extreme turbo frequencies, so an advanced voltage regulation module that delivers the perfect amount of power to the CPU as well as the CPU and its VRM Both require sophisticated cooling systems. Cheap motherboards these days are pretty good, but not as expensive as his VRM and flagship models with advanced cooling systems for the power circuits.
Using good old DDR4 on a brand new Intel platform sounds like a good idea, especially if you own a high-end DDR4-5333+ kit. With such memory, you get great out-of-the-box performance. But cheap motherboards may not be able to take full advantage of one of Raptor Lake’s key features on the desktop. Everyone has to decide for themselves if the trade-off is worth it.