F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop For Fractal North, consider these motherboard options:

For Fractal North, consider these motherboard options:

For Fractal North, consider these motherboard options:

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coyote888
Posting Freak
838
05-01-2021, 03:16 AM
#1
You're considering several options for upgrading your build. It sounds like you're weighing different components and form factors, especially focusing on aesthetics and compatibility. You're thinking about swapping cases to match your North design, exploring lower-end boards, and even looking into the MSI MEG z690 UNIFY as a potential fit. Clarifying your priorities will help narrow it down—whether you value style, performance, or cost.
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coyote888
05-01-2021, 03:16 AM #1

You're considering several options for upgrading your build. It sounds like you're weighing different components and form factors, especially focusing on aesthetics and compatibility. You're thinking about swapping cases to match your North design, exploring lower-end boards, and even looking into the MSI MEG z690 UNIFY as a potential fit. Clarifying your priorities will help narrow it down—whether you value style, performance, or cost.

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xoArtz
Member
112
05-04-2021, 02:38 AM
#2
You're looking for a more affordable option that still offers solid performance. The Z690 Carbon/Force board provides similar capabilities at a much lower price compared to the Ace model.
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xoArtz
05-04-2021, 02:38 AM #2

You're looking for a more affordable option that still offers solid performance. The Z690 Carbon/Force board provides similar capabilities at a much lower price compared to the Ace model.

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redstonersven
Member
210
05-04-2021, 08:38 AM
#3
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redstonersven
05-04-2021, 08:38 AM #3

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Ariadne111
Member
137
05-04-2021, 10:48 AM
#4
Thanks for your reply! You're focusing on using the machine for coding-heavy work and AI tasks without video editing. For running games with varying CPU demands, you'll want to prioritize performance for compilation, testing, and AI workloads. Moving your home network to at least 2.5G is a solid goal—considering you're open to upgrading to a 10G port for future use, it makes sense to explore options beyond WiFi. Since you're not tied to WiFi long-term, the cabling setup gives you flexibility. Regarding hardware choices, ACE offers specific advantages over alternatives like Carbon in terms of features and value. You're right to aim for smarter spending—avoiding a costly board when a more capable one exists would save you money without sacrificing performance. It sounds like a smart approach to balance needs and budget.
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Ariadne111
05-04-2021, 10:48 AM #4

Thanks for your reply! You're focusing on using the machine for coding-heavy work and AI tasks without video editing. For running games with varying CPU demands, you'll want to prioritize performance for compilation, testing, and AI workloads. Moving your home network to at least 2.5G is a solid goal—considering you're open to upgrading to a 10G port for future use, it makes sense to explore options beyond WiFi. Since you're not tied to WiFi long-term, the cabling setup gives you flexibility. Regarding hardware choices, ACE offers specific advantages over alternatives like Carbon in terms of features and value. You're right to aim for smarter spending—avoiding a costly board when a more capable one exists would save you money without sacrificing performance. It sounds like a smart approach to balance needs and budget.

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retrogamer5000
Junior Member
15
05-04-2021, 05:32 PM
#5
There are a few options available, including Thunderbolt integration, dual BIOS support, and dual LAN capabilities. If you don’t need those features and are okay with updating the BIOS on the Carbon model, it’s a strong choice. Also, keep in mind that the 14th generation Intel chips will be available later this month, so choosing the 13900K now might not be the best move.
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retrogamer5000
05-04-2021, 05:32 PM #5

There are a few options available, including Thunderbolt integration, dual BIOS support, and dual LAN capabilities. If you don’t need those features and are okay with updating the BIOS on the Carbon model, it’s a strong choice. Also, keep in mind that the 14th generation Intel chips will be available later this month, so choosing the 13900K now might not be the best move.

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zMadeus
Posting Freak
755
05-05-2021, 08:47 PM
#6
Oh, good tip! I thought it would take a while still. I just checked it and it's keeping the same slot, so I'm assuming waiting for a z890 chipset won't be worth it (seeing as the difference between 690 and 790 is minimal). I won't be needing most of those features, I was more concerned with differences in VRM/other performance hitting stuff, but I'll follow your suggestion and look at the carbon then. Thanks a lot!
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zMadeus
05-05-2021, 08:47 PM #6

Oh, good tip! I thought it would take a while still. I just checked it and it's keeping the same slot, so I'm assuming waiting for a z890 chipset won't be worth it (seeing as the difference between 690 and 790 is minimal). I won't be needing most of those features, I was more concerned with differences in VRM/other performance hitting stuff, but I'll follow your suggestion and look at the carbon then. Thanks a lot!

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DatcheG
Junior Member
33
05-06-2021, 01:35 AM
#7
The Z890 chipset won't be available starting from the 14th generation. Since that era is expected to align more closely with the 13.5 generation, manufacturers will simply adopt the same Z790 boards and chipset they already use for the previous generation. Different board makers are introducing updated Z790 models for the new chipset—Gigabyte labels them Z790X, ASUS refers to them as "II," MSI calls them "MAX," and I don't see ASRock changing their naming conventions. Overall, they're just leveraging the same silicon while adding minor enhancements such as more motherboard layers and a refined memory layout.
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DatcheG
05-06-2021, 01:35 AM #7

The Z890 chipset won't be available starting from the 14th generation. Since that era is expected to align more closely with the 13.5 generation, manufacturers will simply adopt the same Z790 boards and chipset they already use for the previous generation. Different board makers are introducing updated Z790 models for the new chipset—Gigabyte labels them Z790X, ASUS refers to them as "II," MSI calls them "MAX," and I don't see ASRock changing their naming conventions. Overall, they're just leveraging the same silicon while adding minor enhancements such as more motherboard layers and a refined memory layout.

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TesGo
Member
85
05-06-2021, 02:25 AM
#8
Most Z790 boards can manage a 13900k without issues, but VRMs tend to be bulky and often require overbuilding this generation. Choose a model that matches your needs and verify it isn’t an outlier with other VRM options. For a 10 Gb Ethernet connection, you don’t need to purchase a top-tier board—just pick one and add a refurbished PCIe card via eBay if needed. With the Fractal North, it should work if your custom loop parts (radiator, reservoir) have proper mounting spots and enough space.
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TesGo
05-06-2021, 02:25 AM #8

Most Z790 boards can manage a 13900k without issues, but VRMs tend to be bulky and often require overbuilding this generation. Choose a model that matches your needs and verify it isn’t an outlier with other VRM options. For a 10 Gb Ethernet connection, you don’t need to purchase a top-tier board—just pick one and add a refurbished PCIe card via eBay if needed. With the Fractal North, it should work if your custom loop parts (radiator, reservoir) have proper mounting spots and enough space.