EVGA Z590 DARK User Manual page 17

EVGA Z590 DARK (122-RL-E599)
Component Legend Descriptions
1. CPU Socket 1200
This is the interface for the Central Processing Unit (CPU), and supports 10
Gen. Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and i9 models compatible with the Intel
Socket, based on Comet Lake-S and Rocket Lake-S architecture.
2. Intel Z590 PCH
®
The Platform Controller Hub (PCH) handles the role that was previously held
by the South Bridge. The PCH has 8x DMI lanes (3.0) with a Rocket Lake-S
CPU (4x with Comet Lake-S) and 4x Gen 3 lanes to allocate bandwidth to
smaller PCIe slots, M.2, USB, audio, etc. In simplified terms, the PCH works as
a hub for peripherals that are less bandwidth-intensive.
3. PWM Fan Headers (CPU1 and CPU2)
4-pin fan headers control the fan speed based on a configurable curve or static
percentage. PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) works by pulsing power to the fan
at a constant rate and sending the RPM signal to the fan's controller via a Sense
cable, rather than adjusting fan speed by increasing and decreasing voltage.
PWM control is preferable because it eliminates voltage-based fan stall points.
See Page 94 for an in-depth breakdown of the PWM controls within the BIOS.
These headers also support 12V. DC fans. However, DC fan speed is controlled
by decreasing voltage to the fan, starting from the default of 100%, or 12V.
When using a 12V. fan, the minimum speed before stall will vary because most
fan motors have a minimum voltage threshold for operation.
4. PWM/DC Fan Headers
These ports may be used with both DC and PWM fans, and may be controlled
via Smart Fan or manually within the BIOS.
5. Pump Headers (3A)
These headers are designed for use with AIO coolers and pumps designed for
PC watercooling. Providing up to a solid 3A of power to the connected device,
this header should help to avoid a common issue where certain AIO or pumps
are not recognized by the system due to insufficient power. These headers may
be controlled via Smart Fan or manually from within the motherboard BIOS.
6. DDR4 Memory Slots
The memory slots support up to two 288-pin DDR4 DIMMs in Dual-Channel
mode. Dual-Channel mode will be enabled only upon using two sticks of
supported memory; using one stick of memory will lower the board to Single-
th
LGA1200
®
- 17 -