Introduction

Founded in 1999, EVGA grew into a company most known for graphics cards. Since the company has exited the GPU market, the focus has been to continue building upon its PC peripherals, CPU coolers, Power Supplies and Motherboard portfolio to become a household name for all types of computer users.

With the launch of Intel 13th generation core processors codenamed Raptor Lake in late 2022, so came a chipset refresh using the same LGA 1700 socket that is compatible with existing Intel 12th generation processors as well. A motherboard lineup refreshed like this is common to see. Usually refreshes come with a few improvements and offer newer technologies and features that were not available to motherboard manufacturers previously. While no new technologies were introduced that aren't already present in the Intel Z690 lineup, the Z790 chipset offers more high-speed USB options and better overall memory support. These changes are minor in comparison to the new processors. However, Intel still supports DDR4 with 13th generation processors, allowing for more budget friendly options to co-exist.


What we have here today is the EVGA Z790 CLASSIFIED, which is one of only two motherboards offered by EVGA for this chipset. EVGA doesn't have a common threaded naming convention outside the long running XOC Dark K|NGP|N motherboard series, instead the other products may bear the same name but are unique to the platform supported. The Z790 CLASSIFIED is an EVGA flagship consumer product designed to showcase the best EVGA has to offer everyone from entry level novice to power users. This is not in direct competition with the Z790 Dark K|NGP|N, as that is purpose built for serious sub-ambient overclockers that will not stop until every bit of performance is extracted out of the system in question.

Using the E-ATX form factor, the EVGA Z790 CLASSIFIED has a robust VRM configured as a 14+2+2 setup and 105 A power stages. It also includes support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0-ready solutions. When it comes to connectivity, EVGA has you covered with eight SATA ports, three M.2 Gen 4 sockets and two USB4 (40 Gbps) ports. More is included with WiFi 6E, 10 GbE LAN for those who need to transfer data quickly. This review is long and there is a lot to cover, so let's get right to it and take a closer look at the EVGA Z790 CLASSIFIED.

Note: Big thanks is in order to EVGA for providing this motherboard sample for review!

Specifications

Packaging and Contents

Starting off, we can take a quick look at the box. EVGA keeps the exterior packaging neat and straightforward. The front has the product name front and center with a few important quick bits of information at the bottom. This includes the CPU socket (LGA 1700), DDR5, WiFi 6E and PCIe 5.0 support. Flip the box around and you are presented with product details about the EVGA Z790 CLASSIFIED.

EVGA has done an excellent job here with valuable information if you didn't have access to the internet while making an on the spot purchasing decision. The only thing missing is what accessories are included.


The first thing seen after opening the box is this suspicious envelope. Inside is the Quick Start guide to help you get started.


EVGA has a separate box for the accessories, which is only a few items in total. Companies as of late are moving away from including a physical manual with their products. No physical manual here either, but a digital copy is included on the USB flash drive, which is better than nothing.

The full list of accessories includes:

• 1x USB Drive - Manual + Drivers
• 1x WiFi Antenna
• 2x SATA cables
• 1x Case Badge
• 1x Probelt Connector
• 1x Installation Quick Guide

Board Layout

EVGA is no stranger to making motherboards, dating all the way back to 2006. The Classified series disappeared for a bit and made a return for the Intel Z690 chipset (LGA 1700). The Z790 CLASSIFIED reviewed here today has been given a nearly complete redesign from last years Z690 CLASSIFIED. First and foremost, the socket and DIMM slots have been rotated 90 degrees, which is the EVGA Kingpin motherboard unique feature no other vendor currently does. Now the Classified joins the ranks and also has been given right angle power connectors and a revamped heatsink.

The motherboard engineers also really do not like any sort of PCB flexing, so the CLASSIFIED gets a backplate as well. This isn't purely for aesthetics. The backplate provides protection against damaging traces from rear impacts while installing inside a case. It has thermal pads for extra passive heat dissipation and keeps everything rigid with seventeen screws directly attached to different points on the motherboard.


When it comes to CPU cooler compatibility, EVGA keeps the heatsink far enough back that anything in the Intel specified, "keep out zone" (seen as a square outline) will be fine. This extends a bit outwards as well. Even though the VRM heatsinks are tall, a wide range different types of AIOs and air coolers will fit without much installation hassle on the user's part.


The Z790 Classified has been given a heatsink redesign and has shrunk in size. Still present are two small fans that vent air towards the CPU socket.


While both 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors support PCIe Gen 5 with x16 lanes available from the CPU, these do not have additional dedicated lanes for M.2 Gen 5 socket(s) like AMD offers for its Ryzen 7000 series. Because of this, if a Gen 5 M.2 socket is wanted, the lanes would have to be split with the PCIe slots. EVGA has stuck with the standard format by offering three Gen 4 x4 M.2 sockets instead of splitting up the remaining lanes and completely disabling the lower PCIe slot if this M.2 Gen 5 socket was included. By setting the M.2 sockets up this way, nothing is disabled when all M.2 sockets are populated. Less for the customer to pay attention to or troubleshoot.


The EVGA Z790 CLASSIFIED offers two PCI Express x16 slots, with both reinforced for extra stress support. PCIe slot one and three are PCIe Gen 5 with x16 lanes coming from the CPU. Slot one can either operate at x16 or x8. Slot 3 is wired for PCIe Gen 5 x8 and will split the available lanes with the first slot if populated. These are all backwards compatible, allowing older PCIe devices to work without issue. The second slot between the two full x16 slots is a PCIe Gen 4 x4 slot that is also open-end to accommodate larger cards if needed.


EVGA Z790 CLASSIFIED has had the socket and DIMM slots rotated, which is a interesting look from a layout prospective. Underneath the backplate we can see the section for the memory slots being routed directly to the CPU socket.


EVGA is the only vendor that has a dual debug screen. Though marketed as such, the first one is not connected to the other and can be set to different readouts such as CPU voltage, temp and others. This is the same stuff that is often found on those onboard LCD / OLED screens. While the second debugger is just used for post codes. A bit disappointing that it doesn't have special four character codes.

Next to the debuggers, is a safe boot button. This is very nice when that failed overclock is either boot looping forever or is stuck on code 55. It really does work and save a lot of time instead of having to clear the CMOS and lose all the unsaved settings. Also, there is a power button and reset button for those using this motherboard on a test bench.


EVGA Probelt has been a standard inclusion for many generations now of Classified and Kingpin products. The connector hasn't seemed to change, but the pinout are not the same.

It is a nice feature, but it has one major flaw. Looking up information about this connector is non-existent. Nothing is in the current manual and forum posts refer to voltages just for that specific product. EVGA messed this part up badly for users. The silkscreen on the motherboard listing which voltages are in what order is actually below the VRM heatsink. Anyone who is looking for this information at a later date can refer back to this review.

Probelt Pinout connector facing away, left to right: Vcore - VCCIN - VDD2 - CPU 1.05 V - CPU 1.8 V - PCH 1.05 V - PCH 0.82 V - PCH 1.8 V - VGT - Ground.


The motherboard also has LEDs for the main voltages as well. When it is off, but still has power, the standby voltages are lit up as seen in the photo.


EVGA is using a Intel JHL8540 PCIe x4 Gen 3 Thunderbolt 4 chip for the USB4 ports. The total bandwidth will be constrained as both USB4 ports share the same TB4 controller.


EVGA has gone above and beyond for overclocking enthusiasts here. Three BIOS to pick from that can be accessed with a physical switch. Want to try a new beta BIOS, but don't want to lose all your saved settings? Switch to a second BIOS to preserve what you have as a working backup.


Close up of the Intel Z790 chipset.


Now that the EVGA Z790 Classified has the socket and DIMM slots rotated, the EPS connections can be moved to the same side as the 24-Pin. Otherwise, routing the power around the DIMM slots would be impractical to say the least. This motherboard gets two 8-pin EPS connectors for the CPU. Generally one connector is enough for everyday use, but overclocking will stress a single connector. More on that in the overclocking section of this review!


At the bottom is a PCIe 6-Pin PEG used for supplemental power. This provides 12 V to the PCIe slots. It is recommended by EVGA to use when more than one PCIe slot is in use.


The EVGA Z790 CLASSIFIED has four ARGB 5 V (3-pins) RGB headers all next to each other. No RGB 12 V (4-Pins) headers are present, which is a oversight on EVGA's part.


Next to the SATA ports is a USB 3.2 Gen 1 header and an internal USB 3.2 Gen 2 (20 Gbps) header for connecting external USB ports the computer case has available.


Keeping the motherboards aesthetics sleek, the lower ports have a plastic covering that matches the heatsinks. A rubber grommet for the various ports when not in use.


A extra two fan headers and a single USB 2.0 header can be found on the bottom. These do not have covers, but are unlikely to be seen inside a case.


The EVGA Z790 CLASSIFIED motherboard has a total of eight 6 Gbps SATA ports. The manual lists RAID mode is possible across all SATA ports.


EVGA has used the Realtek ALC1220 Codec for the EVGA Z790 CLASSIFIED along with a ESS ES9218PQ DAC chip for the on-board audio solution.


Removing the WiFi card, we can see its an Intel AX211. This supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2


Behind the Rear IO panel the Marvell AQtion AQC113C 10 GbE and Intel 2.5 GbE LAN chips can be found.


EVGA has packaged in a lot here that should please most people. Starting on the left is the CMOS and BIOS flash buttons. Moving to the middle is six USB 3.2 ports (Red) offering 10 Gbps bandwidth to connected devices. Below the 10 GbE and 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports are two USB4 ports rated for 40 Gbps each with an ability to pass-through DisplayPort 1.4 from the iGPU. Lastly is the analog outputs and Optical S/PDIF out supporting 7.1 audio.

• 1x Clear CMOS
• 1x BIOS Update Button
• 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10 Gbps Type-A
• 1x Marvell 10GbE NIC
• 1x Intel i226V 2.5 GbE NIC
• 2x USB4 Type-C (DP 1.4 + HDR)
• 5x HD Audio Connectors
• 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT
• 1x Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Antenna