EVGA Z490 FTW User Manual page 14

EVGA Z490 FTW (122-CL-E497)
Component Legend Descriptions
1. CPU Socket 1200
This is the interface for the Central Processing Unit (CPU), and supports Core
i5, Core i7, and Core i9 models compatible with the Intel
Comet Lake-S architecture.
2. Intel Z490 PCH (Southbridge)
®
The Platform Controller Hub (PCH) handles the role that was previously held
by the South Bridge. The PCH has 4 PCIe Gen 3 lanes and allocates 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 that 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. This method is preferable because it eliminates voltage-based fan stall
points. Please see Page 90 for a more in-depth PWM breakdown and PWM
controls within BIOS/UEFI.
These headers also support 12v. DC fans. However, DC fan speed is based on
decreasing voltage to the fan, starting at a default of 100%/12V. When using a
12v. fan, the minimum speed will vary depending on the motor because most
fan motors require a set amount of voltage before stalling.
4. PWM/DC Fan Headers
These ports may be used with both PWM and DC fans and may be controlled
via Smart Fan or manually within the BIOS.
5. DDR4 Memory Slots
The memory slots support up to four 288-pin DDR4 DIMMs in Dual-Channel
mode. Dual-Channel mode will be enabled only upon using two or four sticks
of supported memory, according to the installation guide above. Using one or
three sticks of memory will lower the board to Single-Channel mode, which
may significantly lower performance. Memory kits marketed as "Quad-
Channel" *MAY* work; however, the kit will continue to run in Dual-Channel
mode due to the limitations of the CPU's memory controller. 128GB of RAM
is supported in a 4x32GB configuration. At the time of this manual's release,
this motherboard officially supports up to 4400MHz+ speeds. These speeds
1200 Socket and
®
- 14 -