NZXT N7 Z490 Review | 'Stylish and substantial'

NZXT N7 Z490 REVIEW. Motherboards are rarely aesthetically pleasing. Sure, we've long since moved on from light-green PCBs and cream-colored slots, but the bulk of MOBOs even so look ugly. Most opt for a "gamer" expect, which is fine for some folks, but what about those who value a minimalist and clean PC build? Enter the N7 Z490 motherboard from NZXT, with its bluntly beautiful design.

Blackness or white

NZXT N7 Z490 Review

The N7 Z490, Wi-Fi antenna, four SATA cables, and user transmission are included in the big box. The board makes a good first impression with its make clean looks, even before it's placed within of a case.

Information technology's clear from the first that this board would be perfect for builders theming a arrangement around black or white. The metal cover is the star of the prove here, visually, hiding the majority of motherboard components backside a clean, smooth surface.

For those going with a totally white PC, the N7 Z490 is one of the merely choices. Pair it with i of NZXT's H cases, which remain super popular for their swell artful at a good price, and that is going to exist one spotless build.

Of class, the N7 Z490 is an ATX lath that fits into any standard ATX case, then there are no weird proprietary features causing issues here. It's just clear that NZXT hopes that users pair its lath with 1 of its cases. The H510 Elite that we reviewed previously is a perfect friction match.

Bells and whistles

NZXT N7 Z490 Review

Those opting for the NZXT N7 Z490 can enhance the aesthetic with RGB back up. There isn't whatsoever RGB on the board itself, which maintains that minimalist await, simply internal I/O allows for RGB accessories via the two NZXT RGB LED connectors, a 5V addressable RGB LED connector, and a 12V RGB LED connector.

The board is also generous with its fan headers, with seven in total. The CPU and AIO pump headers come equally no surprise, but and so in that location are five boosted headers for case fans. These are positioned well and make cable management slightly easier.

It's just a shame that the generosity seen with RGB and fan headers doesn't extend elsewhere. While the relatively low number of four SATA ports tin can exist defended by the inclusion of two Thou.two slots, the rear I/O'due south USB offering is tougher to explain.

There's 1 USB 3.two Gen 2, two USB three.2 Gen 1, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, and two USB 2.0 ports. When the majority of gaming peripherals however connect via Type-A, users may find that the five Type-A ports on the rear of the N7 Z490 merely aren't enough. Thankfully, there is the pick to aggrandize via an internal card or dongles, just the stock experience is a little lacking.

During my setup process, the only effect was USB availability. Everything else went super shine, with NZXT combining forces with ASRock to make building faster and easier. The integrated I/O shield is a welcome sight, as I e'er manage to forget that despite how many PCs I've built and rebuilt.

NZXT N7 Z490 Review

Booting into BIOS had me seeing a familiar sight. I use an ASRock motherboard on my work PC and the N7 Z490 BIOS is very similar, although given some extra flair with a lightweight NZXT skin on top.

I institute the overclocking experience to be identical to any recent ASRock board (with updated BIOS), which makes things unproblematic (or advanced, should you click that option). Customizing fan profiles was as well easy and settings saved without issue.

NZXT'southward CAM software is used for further customization. While this software used to be pretty infamous, information technology has improved a lot over the past year or so. Those embedded in the CAM ecosystem will appreciate how the N7 Z490 operates with the software. If CAM isn't your style, information technology can get ignored.

Overall, performance with this lath is expectedly mid-range. The more than premium features of this N7 Z490 lie in its aesthetics, but information technology's also good to know that the adept-looking system will also run well.

Pricing and availability

NZXT N7 Z490 Review

The NZXT N7 Z490 comes a little tardily to the political party with support for Intel's 10th Generation Core processors. Thankfully, rumors and leaks point towards Intel 11th Gen working with Z490. Hopefully that will be confirmed soon as it will make the N7 Z490 easier to recommend.

Looking at the here and now for a tenth Gen motherboard, the N7 Z490's price tag of $229.99 is competitive. It's skillful to see NZXT offering a unique aesthetic and not charging a ridiculous price premium for that privilege.

While information technology might not chronicle to performance, aesthetics accept go much more than important to many PC users. For some, the cede of more USB ports and SATA ports will exist worth that clean-looking motherboard cover.

NZXT N7 Z490 Review | The Final Verdict

NZXT N7 Z490 Review

In a single phrase, I'd depict the NZXT N7 Z490 every bit "stylish and substantial." Its priority is clearly looking damn proficient, only at that place's a level of functionality here that will delight almost all PC users. The only existent niggle is the rear USB selection.

I'd beloved to run across more from NZXT when information technology comes to motherboards. With AMD making such a big splash with Ryzen, particularly with the 5000 series challenge the gaming PC crown, it would be awesome to pair a great-looking motherboard with the all-time-blindside-for-your-buck CPU.

If you're going Intel and are swell to go on aesthetics looking precipitous, then the NZXT N7 Z490 should admittedly exist on your radar.

N7 Z490 review unit was provided by NZXT.