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ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790MOBO

MOBOMotherboards·ASRock

ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790

4.4
Shed ScoreEditorial rating out of 5, based on specs, build quality and value in its class.
  • Robust VRM Design
  • Wi-Fi 6E Ready
  • Fast M.2 Cooling

The ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 strikes a strong balance between performance and price, offering a solid VRM, fast connectivity options, and reliable storage expansion for mainstream to high-end Intel builds.

  • SocketLGA1700
  • ChipsetIntel Z790
  • Memory SupportDDR5 up to 7200+ MHz (OC)
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// Datasheet

Technical specifications

PHANTOM-GAMING-Z7905 fields
SocketLGA1700
ChipsetIntel Z790
Memory SupportDDR5 up to 7200+ MHz (OC)
PCIe SlotsPCIe 5.0 x16 + PCIe 4.0 x4
LAN2.5G Phantom Gaming LAN

// Verdict

Our take

4.4

The ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 strikes a strong balance between performance and price, offering a solid VRM, fast connectivity options, and reliable storage expansion for mainstream to high-end Intel builds. It's an excellent choice for gamers and enthusiasts who want Z790 features without paying flagship prices.

// Trade-offs

Pros and cons

+What we like

  • Robust VRM design handles high-end i7/i9 CPUs with ease
  • Excellent connectivity including Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN
  • Multiple well-cooled M.2 slots for fast NVMe storage
  • Clean BIOS and Polychrome RGB software is user-friendly
  • Good value compared to competing Z790 boards

−Watch out for

  • Only one PCIe x16 slot runs at full PCIe 5.0 speed
  • Rear I/O lacks a dedicated clear CMOS button on some SKUs
  • Audio codec is decent but not flagship-tier
  • Limited fan headers compared to premium boards

// Feature set

Key features

  • 01LGA1700 socket supports 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core processors
  • 0214+1+1 Phase Dr.MOS power delivery design
  • 03PCIe 5.0 x16 slot plus PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots with full-length heatsinks
  • 042.5G Phantom Gaming LAN with lightning connectivity
  • 05DDR5 memory support up to 7200+ MHz (OC)
  • 06Wi-Fi 6E integrated for high-speed wireless connectivity
  • 07HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs for iGPU video
  • 08Comprehensive M.2 Blazing Heatsinks for thermal management

// Long read

Full review

The ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 motherboard is built for enthusiasts and gamers who demand uncompromising performance from their Intel-based builds. Designed around the Z790 chipset, it supports the latest Intel Core processors, giving users access to enhanced core counts, improved power efficiency, and increased overclocking headroom. The board features a robust power delivery system with premium chokes and capacitors, paired with substantial heatsinks that keep VRM temperatures in check even under sustained heavy loads. This foundation makes it an ideal choice for gamers, streamers, and content creators who push their systems to the limit during long gaming sessions or demanding rendering tasks.

Connectivity and storage options on the Phantom Gaming Z790 are tailored for modern high-performance builds. The board includes multiple M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 support, allowing for blazing-fast NVMe SSD storage with ample thermal protection through integrated M.2 heatsinks. On the rear I/O, users will find a generous selection of USB ports, including high-speed USB 3.2 Gen2x2 connections, along with support for Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN, ensuring reliable wired and wireless networking for both gaming and productivity. The inclusion of PCIe 5.0 support for the primary graphics card slot future-proofs the system for next-generation GPUs, while reinforced slots prevent sagging from heavier graphics cards over time.

Aesthetically, the ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 embraces a sleek, gamer-centric design with a dark PCB and brushed metal accents that complement RGB lighting setups without overwhelming a build's visual theme. Polychrome RGB sync software allows users to customize onboard lighting and synchronize it with other compatible components for a cohesive look. Beyond aesthetics, the board's BIOS offers intuitive overclocking tools and fan control profiles, making it accessible to both newcomers tuning their first build and experienced users fine-tuning every voltage and frequency setting. Overall, this motherboard delivers a balanced combination of power, connectivity, and style suited for high-end custom PC builds centered on Intel's latest platform.

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