Z370 vs Z390: Which Chipset Should You Choose?

The Z370 and Z390 chipsets are both Intel sockets for 8th and 9th generation Core processors, but Z390 adds native USB 3.1 Gen 2 and integrated Wi-Fi support. If you are building a new PC today, Z390 is the better choice; if you already own a Z370 board, there is no need to upgrade.

Background: The 300-Series Family

Intel introduced the 300-series chipsets in late 2017 alongside its 8th generation “Coffee Lake” processors. The first of these was Z370, a refresh of the earlier Z270 design with the same 14nm process but support for six-core mainstream CPUs. A year later, Intel released Z390 as the flagship of the 300-series family, pairing with both 8th and 9th generation CPUs. Both chipsets use the LGA 1151 socket (specifically the v2 revision, which is not compatible with older 100/200-series boards).

Z390 was not a radical departure; it refined the Z370 platform by adding features that previously required extra controller chips on the motherboard. This means that when you buy a Z390 board, you get certain connectivity built in, while Z370 boards often need add-on chips to match.

Key Differences: What Z390 Adds

The most important differences between Z370 and Z390 are in the chipset’s integrated features:

• Native USB 3.1 Gen 2: Z390 has built-in support for 10 Gbps USB ports. Z370 only natively supports USB 3.0 (now called USB 3.1 Gen 1) at 5 Gbps; any Gen 2 ports on a Z370 board require a third-party controller like ASMedia’s.
• Integrated 802.11ac Wi-Fi: Z390 includes support for Intel’s CNVi (Connectivity Integration) architecture, allowing motherboards to offer Wi-Fi without a separate PCIe or M.2 wireless card. Z370 boards with Wi-Fi use a standard M.2 or PCIe card.
• Intel Optane Memory support: Both chipsets support Optane, but Z390 officially supports the newer Optane Memory H10 hybrid drives, which combine a small Optane SSD with a larger QLC NAND drive.
• More PCIe lanes from the chipset: Z390 provides 24 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the chipset, while Z370 provides 20. This gives Z390 boards more flexibility for extra M.2 slots, USB controllers, and other expansion.

In practice, the USB and Wi-Fi differences are the most visible. If you need fast external storage or want a board with built-in Wi-Fi, Z390 is the cleaner path.

Compatibility: Which CPUs Work?

Both Z370 and Z390 support the same CPUs: all 8th generation (Coffee Lake) and 9th generation (Coffee Lake Refresh) Core processors. This includes the Core i7-8700K, i5-8600K, i9-9900K, and i5-9600K. However, there is a catch: a Z370 board may need a BIOS update to work with a 9th generation CPU. Most Z370 boards received such updates, but if you buy an old stock board, it may not have the latest BIOS, and you would need an 8th gen CPU to boot it and update the firmware.

Z390 boards were released after the 9th gen CPUs, so they support them out of the box. If you are buying a used Z370 board, check the vendor’s website for the CPU compatibility list and BIOS version before purchasing.

How to Choose: Z370 vs Z390

Your choice depends on your situation:

• New build with a 9th gen CPU: Choose Z390. It avoids potential BIOS issues and gives you the extra USB and Wi-Fi features.
• New build with an 8th gen CPU: Either works. Z370 boards may be cheaper, but Z390 offers more modern connectivity. If the price difference is small, Z390 is still the better investment.
• Upgrading an existing Z370 system: If you already have a Z370 board and want to upgrade to a 9th gen CPU, a BIOS update is all you need. There is no performance benefit to switching to Z390; the CPU performance is identical.
• Budget builds: If you find a heavily discounted Z370 board and you are using an 8th gen CPU, it is a fine choice. Just be aware that you may not get USB 3.1 Gen 2 or Wi-Fi without add-on cards.

For most builders, Z390 is the safer, more future-proof choice, but Z370 is not obsolete by any means.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Z390 supports PCIe 4.0. It does not; both chipsets are PCIe 3.0. Another is that Z370 cannot run 9th gen CPUs at all. That is false; they run fine after a BIOS update. A more practical issue is that some Z370 boards lack a BIOS flashback feature, meaning you cannot update the BIOS without a compatible CPU installed. If you buy a Z370 board with an old BIOS and a 9th gen CPU, you are stuck until you borrow an 8th gen CPU or take it to a shop.

Another problem is the confusion between the two LGA 1151 revisions. Z370 and Z390 use the same socket, but they are not compatible with 6th or 7th gen CPUs (which use the original LGA 1151). Do not try to install a Skylake or Kaby Lake CPU on a 300-series board; it will not work and may damage the socket.

Costs and Availability

As of 2024, both chipsets are several generations old. Z370 boards are mostly available on the used market, often at low prices. Z390 boards are also discontinued, but you can still find new old stock (NOS) or used units. Prices vary widely, but Z390 boards typically cost more than Z370 because of the extra features. However, the premium is usually small compared to the cost of a CPU or GPU.

When buying used, check for bent pins, damaged VRM heatsinks, and missing I/O shield. Also verify that the BIOS has been updated to support the CPU you plan to use.

Alternatives: What About Other Chipsets?

If you are building a new PC today, you might consider newer platforms instead of Z370/Z390. Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th gen CPUs use the LGA 1700 socket with Z690 and Z790 chipsets, which offer PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support. AMD’s AM4 platform with B550/X570 and AM5 with B650/X670 are also strong options. These newer platforms are more expensive but provide better performance and longer upgrade paths.

If you are on a tight budget, a used Z370 board with an 8th gen i5 is still a capable gaming setup, but you will be limited to PCIe 3.0 and DDR4, which are now a generation behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Z390 worth the extra money over Z370?

If you need USB 3.1 Gen 2 or built-in Wi-Fi, yes. If you are using an 8th gen CPU and do not need those features, a cheaper Z370 board is fine. For a 9th gen CPU, Z390 avoids BIOS update hassle.

Can I use a 9th gen CPU on a Z370 motherboard?

Yes, but you need to update the BIOS to a version that supports 9th gen CPUs. Without the update, the system will not boot. Some boards have USB BIOS Flashback to do this without a CPU, but many do not.

Does Z390 support PCIe 4.0?

No. Both Z370 and Z390 are PCIe 3.0 only. PCIe 4.0 support started with Intel’s 11th gen (Rocket Lake) and AMD’s 500-series chipsets.

Are Z370 and Z390 motherboards the same size?

Both come in ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX form factors, but the exact dimensions and mounting holes are standard. You can use either in the same case, but check the board’s specific layout for clearance.

Which is better for overclocking?

Both chipsets allow overclocking of unlocked K-series CPUs. The overclocking capability depends more on the motherboard’s VRM quality than the chipset. High-end Z370 boards can overclock just as well as Z390 boards.

Can I use DDR4 RAM on both?

Yes, both support DDR4 memory. Z390 officially supports up to 2666 MHz without overclocking, while Z370 supports up to 2666 MHz as well. You can run faster kits using XMP profiles on both.

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