Question:

How compatible are the Z690 Prime P and the Z790 Maximus Hero motherboards in terms of LGA 1700 socket placement and liquid cooling loop configuration? I have an existing loop on the Z690 and I want to know if I can transfer it to the Z790 without major modifications.

Answer:

How to switch from Z690 Prime P to Z790 Maximus Hero with minimal changes to your liquid cooling loop

If you are looking for a motherboard upgrade and you have a liquid cooling loop installed on your Z690 Prime P, you might be wondering if you can reuse your loop on the Z790 Maximus Hero without having to redo the whole thing. The good news is that both motherboards use the same LGA 1700 socket, which means that your CPU block should fit without any issues. However, there are some other factors that you need to consider before making the switch.

One of the main differences between the Z690 Prime P and the Z790 Maximus Hero is the VRM layout and design. The Z690 Prime P has a 14+2 power stage configuration, while the Z790 Maximus Hero has a 20+1 power stage configuration. This means that the Z790 Maximus Hero has more VRM components and a larger heatsink, which could affect the clearance and compatibility of your liquid cooling loop.

Depending on the size and shape of your CPU block, radiator, and tubing, you might need to adjust the position or orientation of some components to avoid any interference or contact with the VRM heatsink. For example, if you have a top-mounted radiator, you might need to move it slightly to the front or back of the case to create more space for the VRM heatsink. Alternatively, you could use a smaller or thinner radiator, or switch to a front-mounted or bottom-mounted radiator instead.

Another option is to use a monoblock that covers both the CPU and the VRM area, which would eliminate the clearance issue altogether. However, this would require you to buy a new block that is specifically designed for the Z790 Maximus Hero, which could be costly and time-consuming.

RGB and fan headers

Another difference between the Z690 Prime P and the Z790 Maximus Hero is the number and location of the RGB and fan headers. The Z690 Prime P has two 12V RGB headers, two 5V ARGB headers, and six fan headers. The Z790 Maximus Hero has three 12V RGB headers, three 5V ARGB headers, and eight fan headers.

This means that the Z790 Maximus Hero has more options and flexibility for connecting your RGB and fan devices, which could be a plus if you have a lot of them. However, it also means that you might need to reroute some of your cables or use some adapters or splitters to connect them to the appropriate headers. For example, if you have a 5V ARGB device that was connected to the bottom-right ARGB header on the Z690 Prime P, you might need to use a longer cable or an extension to reach the nearest ARGB header on the Z790 Maximus Hero, which is located at the top-right corner of the board.

BIOS and settings

The last thing that you need to consider before switching from the Z690 Prime P to the Z790 Maximus Hero is the BIOS and settings. Both motherboards use the same BIOS interface and have similar features and options, but there might be some differences in the default values or the available settings. For example, the Z790 Maximus Hero has more overclocking and tuning options than the Z690 Prime P, which could affect the performance and stability of your system.

Therefore, it is recommended that you update the BIOS of both motherboards to the latest version before making the switch, and that you reset the BIOS settings to the default values. This would ensure that you have the most compatible and stable BIOS for your hardware, and that you avoid any potential conflicts or issues that could arise from using different or outdated BIOS versions or settings.

After resetting the BIOS settings, you can then proceed to configure them according to your preferences and needs. You might need to adjust some settings such as the fan curves, the memory timings, the CPU voltage, and the XMP profile to optimize the performance and cooling of your system. You can also enable or disable some features such as the RGB lighting, the onboard audio, the LAN controller, and the PCIe slots to suit your usage and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, switching from the Z690 Prime P to the Z790 Maximus Hero with minimal changes to your liquid cooling loop is possible, but it requires some careful planning and preparation. You need to check the compatibility and clearance of your loop components with the VRM heatsink, the RGB and fan headers, and the BIOS and settings of the new motherboard. You might also need to make some adjustments or modifications to your loop layout, your cables, or your settings to ensure a smooth and successful transition. By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of the Z790 Maximus Hero without having to redo your entire liquid cooling loop.