B560 vs Z590 Motherboards : What’s The Difference?

We Compare These Two Intel Rocket Lake Compatible Motherboards To See Which Type Is Best For You

WePC B560 VS Z590
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The B560 and Z590 are among the latest generation of Intel-compatible motherboards, both of which can be used in conjunction with either 10th gen Comet Lake or 11th gen Rocket Lake Intel CPUs. But what are the differences between the two?

In the following article, we will be walking you through the differences between the specifications of the two motherboard types, discussing price and performance differences, and ultimately helping you decide which motherboard is right for you.

We will also be listing some of the best models of each motherboard type and where to buy them.

That being said, let’s dive right in!

B560 vs Z590 Specifications

As you can see below there are a lot of similarities between B560 motherboards and Z590 motherboards: both have at least one PCIe 4.0 slot available for a GPU and one for an M.2 SSD. Both also support RAM overclocking.

Generally speaking, the main difference between the two board types is that the Z590 motherboards permit CPU overclocking, whereas the B560 motherboards do not. Furthermore, the Z590 boards tend to have a greater number of PCIe 4.0 slots available.

B560Z590
CPU Chipset UplinkPCIe Gen 4PCIe Gen 4
CPU Graphics Supportx16 PCIe Gen 4x16 PCIe Gen 4
Dual Graphics Support?mostly single x16 PCIe, some models have dualmostly dual x16 PCIe
CPU Storage Supportmostly 1x M.2 PCIe Gen 4 with additional M.2 PCIe Gen 3More M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slots
USB Port Support (model dependent)USB 3.2 Gen 2USB 3.2 Gen 2
CPU Overclocking SupportNoYes
RAM Overclocking SupportYesYes

The Differences Between B560 And Z590 Motherboards

As discussed above, Z590 motherboards allow CPU overclocking, whereas B560 don’t. This is due to the more advanced Voltage Regulator Module and general differences in architecture used to support overclocking in the Z590 boards. Overall this is reflective of the fact that Z590 boards are the more premium option that usually come with higher price tag for those looking to build a high-end enthusiast level build, whether they be a gamer or a workstation user, where they’re spending money on an expensive CPU.

It’s more advisable that those looking to put together a mid-level gaming machine with that level of budget, focus instead on spending their money on an advanced GPU, in which case they are unlikely to need a Z590 board and a B560 will be sufficient. For those with more cash to play with, who wish to go with a CPU they can overclock, then the Z590 is the only option of the two.

The other major reason one might wish to go with the Z590 is that it tends to have a greater number of PCIe Gen 4 x16 slots for graphics cards, M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slots for SSDs, and other slots besides, including a greater array of USB ports. The exact number of these obviously varies from model to model, and you will find some B560 boards with two PCIe Gen 4 x16 slots, however generally speaking most Z590s will be the better kitted out.

ASRock B560 Steel Legend

ASRock B560 Steel Legend

Form Factor

ATX

PCIe Slot

1x PCIe 4.0 x16

SATA ports

6x

M.2 slots

1x PCIe 4.0, 2x PCIe 3.0

RAM ports

4x DIMM 128GB 4800MHz

USB ports

2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, 6x USB 3.2 Gen1

Other ports / sockets

1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI, 1x PS/2

Pros

4800MHz RAM support

Affordable

PS/2 socket

Cons

No Wi-Fi

Only one M.2 PCIe 4.0 slot for SSDs

Gray camo aesthetics may not be to everyone’s tastes

ROG Maximus XIII Hero Z590

ROG Maximus XIII Hero Z590

Intended Build

High-end

Form Factor

ATX

Socket

LGA 1200

Chipset

Z590

Pros
Cons

The Best B560 Motherboards

Some of our top picks for B560 motherboards can be found below. For a more full breakdown of the top 5 B560 motherboards we suggest for different budgets and needs, check out our best of article.

ASUS TUF Gaming B560M PLUS min

ASUS TUF Gaming B560M PLUS

Form Factor

Micro ATX

PCIe Slot

1x PCIe 4.0 x16

SATA ports

6x

M.2 slots

1x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 3.0

RAM ports

4x DIMM 128GB 5000MHz

USB ports

1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 4x USB 2.0 Type A


MSI MAF B560 Torpedo ATX

MSI MAG B560 TORPEDO ATX

Form Factor

ATX

PCIe Slot

2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1

SATA ports

6x

M.2 slots

1x PCIe 4.0, 2x PCIe 3.0

RAM ports

4x DIMM 128GB 5066MHz

USB ports

2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, 6x USB 3.2 Gen1, 4x USB 2.0

The Best Z590 Motherboards

Some of our best picks for Z590 motherboards can also be seen listed below. A more detailed list can be found on our Best Z590 Motherboard page, where you will get a better idea which model is for you.

ROG Maximus XIII Hero Z590

ROG Maximus XIII Hero Z590

Intended Build

High-end

Form Factor

ATX

Socket

LGA 1200

Chipset

Z590


Z590 TUF GAMING Z590 PLUS WIFI

Asus Z590 TUF GAMING Z590-PLUS WIFI

Intended Build

Mid to high-end

Form Factor

ATX

Socket

LGA 1200

Chipset

Z590

The Verdict

All in all then, whether or not you should go with a B560 motherboard or a Z590 really depends on what you’re looking for. If CPU overclocking is your thing, then Z590 is your only option for Intel CPUs of the latest generation. If you’re not looking to overclock your CPU and are aiming at a more rid-range gaming build, then you’d be better off picking a reasonably priced B560 and spending the money on a GPU. Just make sure that the model you pick has all the ports and connections that you want.

The Author Who Worked On This Article

News Writer and CPU / Motherboard Product Specialist
at
WePC
Summary  ICT Level 3 Extended Diploma CompTIA A+ Diploma CompTIA Pentest+ Diploma PC Builder at Fierce PC Bench marker at BGFG Product Specialist at BGFG Senior Staff writer at BGFG News content planner at BGFG Experience I currently work at WePC as Tech and News Writer, but the journey that led me here has been both lengthy and fascinating. It all began during my college years when I transformed my computer passion into a formal education, earning an Extended Diploma in ICT. Subsequently, I entered the tech industry by securing my first job as a Systems Builder at Fierce PC. This role allowed me to refine my skills in assembling PCs, where I successfully built over 1,000 computers of various types and specifications. Afterward, I made the transition to WePC, as a Product Bench marker, responsible for producing videos on PC component performance, including CPUs and GPUs, for our YouTube channel. I then advanced to the position of Product Specialist, overseeing all content related to CPUs and Motherboards. I have since broaden into covering coolers and PC cases. Education  ICT Level 3 Extended Diploma – Accrington Collage CompTIA A+ Diploma – Studyhub CompTIA Pentest+ Diploma – Studyhub

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