More extensively recognized for its server-grade fashions, Supermicro at all times launches a small variety of shopper motherboards, typically with some further aptitude and {hardware} we do not see from the common distributors. This time round, Supermicro’s top-tier C9Z490-PGW makes use of a PLX chip which permits the board to function with twin PCIe 3.Zero x16 or quadruple PCIe 3.Zero x8 slots. This is mixed with twin PCIe 3.Zero x4 M.2 slots from the chipset, a 10 gigabit Ethernet controller, and a Wi-Fi 6 interface which makes the C9Z490-PGW versatile for a wide selection of customers.
Supermicro C9Z490-PGW Overview
Supermicro is likely one of the most recognizable manufacturers within the server and workstation market. Still, as we noticed in our evaluation of the C9Z390-PGW, Supermicro is persistently injecting its ‘server’ grade DNA into its desktop fashions. The distinction between Z390 and Z490 is not as stark because it could possibly be, with the primary attribute coming in the way in which of networking assist, with an built-in Wi-Fi 6 MAC, which permits customers to make the most of CNVi modules. For Intel’s launch of the 10th technology Comet Lake processors, Supermicro unveiled a pair of Z490 fashions, the C9Z490-PG and C9Z490-PGW, with the one distinction being that the PGW comes with a Wi-Fi 6 interface, whereas the PG doesn’t.
The Supermicro C9Z490-PGW is likely one of the most unusual Z490 fashions for a number of causes, with a mixture of distinctive and server impressed aesthetics, in addition to an apparently premium function set. It represents its SuperO sequence of motherboards, which provides server-grade high quality and a normal consumer-focused mannequin. Touching briefly on the design of the C9Z490-PGW, it makes use of a mix of black and silvers to create an aesthetic two-tone theme, with stable black aluminum energy supply heatsinks and SuperO metallic reinforcement on each the PCIe and reminiscence slots. The C9Z490-PGW drops built-in RGB LED lighting and RGB headers and does not play on the dearth of RGB assist as a marketable function like some distributors do.
Obviously the massive function is the PLX change, enabling 32 PCIe 3.Zero lanes on this motherboard. The use of PLX switches on mainstream motherboards was rife within the time of the Z77 platform, nevertheless it has fallen by the wayside, largely as a result of elevated value as the corporate that used to make these switches was acquired, and the value was risen to a extra consumer-unfriendly value level. With this change, the board can assist two add-in playing cards at a full x16/x16, or 4 playing cards at x8/x8/x8/x8, all at PCIe 3.Zero speeds (as a result of Comet Lake is PCIe 3.Zero and this change is PCIe 3.Zero solely). This opens up plenty of avenues for customers desirous to allow, for instance, a Comet Lake-based storage system with RAID playing cards. To get this many lanes would in any other case require a distinct platform, often within the high-end desktop house, or a Xeon. On high of the PCIe lanes, there are additionally twin PCIe 3.Zero x4 M.2 slots, with 4 accessible SATA ports supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 arrays and networking via a 10 gigabit Ethernet controller, Wi-Fi 6 with extra assist for BT 5.1 gadgets. It additionally features a premium onboard HD audio codec, with numerous USB assist onboard, together with a stacked rear panel and loads of USB headers positioned across the fringe of the PCB. It additionally has a modest degree of reminiscence assist, with functionality for DDR4-4000, with a capability for up to 128 GB.
In our efficiency testing, we noticed the anticipated ranges we might affiliate with a board that’s working Intel’s default energy settings. Supermicro boards typically run at strict Intel defaults, whereas shopper motherboards are extra liberal with Intel’s options for energy limits and turbo ranges. If that is taken into consideration, the C9Z490-PGW carried out competitively, particularly towards the ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero WiFi when evaluating it when…
