INTRODUCTION

   The Z590 chipset currently powers the top of the line systems in Intel's consumer line (with the Z690 chipset just around the corner) and thanks to the wealth of supported features it offers just like with past models (Z390/Z490) motherboards based on it are far from the lowest cost ones in the market. Still not everyone out there is willing to spend big on an Z590 motherboard which is why some manufacturers have allocated resources in the development and release of models without the extra features (from electrical ones aimed at improved overclocking to special onboard sound cards and available outputs and inputs) found in others. A great example is the people over at NZXT who recently released the N7 Z590 model which although rather basic in terms of features it's available in both black and white colors making it ideal for modders, enthusiasts and even gamers.

   Founded in 2004, NZXT is a leader of gaming products and services. Their award-winning products include computer cases, PC cooling solutions, RGB lighting kits, power supplies, and their free PC monitoring software, NZXT CAM. NZXT was created out of a passion for PC gaming and is dedicated to improving products and services to achieve extraordinary gaming experiences.

   The NZXT N7 Z590 motherboard is based on the LGA 1200 socket (meaning it’s still compatible with LGA 115x coolers and both 10th and 11th generation Intel CPUs) and so it features PCIe Gen v4.0 for one of its PCIe x16 slots (also EMI shielded and reinforced) and one of its M.2 2242/2260/2280 slots. It also sports a 14 power phase design (12+2DrMOS) and a total of 4 DDR4 DIMM slots allowing for up to 128GB of RAM at speeds surpassing 4600MHz. Of course, it also packs the AX201 Dual-Band WiFi 6/BT 5.2 wireless adapter, Realtek ALC1220 HD audio card, single PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, M.2 PCIe 3.0 slot, 4 native Intel SATA 6Gb/s ports (support RAID 0/1/5/10), 2 NZXT RGB headers, 5V ARGB header and an 12V RGB header. In terms of rear connectivity, the N7 Z590 offers and HDMI v2.0 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 4 intel USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, 4 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (3 Type-A, 1 Type-C), single Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5GbE (10/100/1000/2500) Ethernet port, 2x2 wireless antennas, 5.1 channel jacks and an S/PDIF (a clear CMOS button is also present). So, is the N7 Z590 motherboard by NZXT the one to get if you're on a budget? Let's find out just that.