ASRock Z790 PG NOVA WiFi Motherboard Review

Features and Specifications

Features

• Supports 14^th, 13^th & 12^th Gen Intel^® Core™ Processors (LGA1700)
• 20+1+1 Power Phase, SPS for VCore+GT,
  8-Layer 2OZ PCB
• 4 x DDR5 DIMMs, supports up to 8000+(OC)
• 1 PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 PCIe 3.0 x1
• Graphics Output Options: 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort
• Realtek ALC4082 7.1 CH HD Audio Codec,
  Nahimic Audio
• 4 SATA3, 1 Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5 x4),
  4 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4 x4),
  1 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4 x4 & SATA3)
• 2 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (1 Rear, 1 Front)
  4 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear)
  7 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (3 Rear, 4 Front)
• Intel^® Killer 2.5G LAN
• 802.11be WiFi 7 + Bluetooth
• Supports Graphics Card Holder, Toolless Multi-Layer M.2 Heatsink

Overview

Nova is the most significant energy discharge ever witnessed by mankind, it’s super-powerful which represents the performance our motherboard can deliver.

20K Capacitor

20K black capacitors with lifespans of at least 20,000 hours, provides even longer component durability compares with normal capacitors, extending MTBF to give better system stability.

20+1+1 Power Phase Design

Featuring sturdy components and completely smooth power delivery to the CPU. Plus, it offers unmatched overclocking capabilities and enhanced performance with the lowest temperature for advanced gamers as well.

SPS (Smart Power Stage)

Dr.MOS design features the latest SPS (Smart Power Stage) technology. It’s optimized for monitoring current and temperature of each phase, thus delivering smoother and neater power to the CPU with enhanced performance and OC capability.

Hi-Density Power Connector

CPU overclocking requires higher current, ASRock Hi-Density Power connectors is able to withstand current higher traditional CPU 8-pin and ATX 24-pin connector, giving a more stable system as well as lowering the risk of fire under heavy overclocking.

CPU Indicator

Tune your computer quickly with ASRock CPU Indicator. It rates your CPU by assigning points based on its performance and capabilities, helping users optimize overclocking settings for enhanced performance.

8 Layer PCB design

The 8 Layer PCB and 2 ounce copper inner layers provides stable signal traces and power shapes delivering lower temperature and higher energy efficiency for memory overclocking! Thus, it’s able to support the latest memory modules with most extreme memory performance!

DDR5 EXPO & XMP Support

Server Grade Low Loss PCB

The server grade low loss PCB improves signal integrity, allowing motherboard to support PCIe 5.0 for both graphics card and M.2 SSD, it also improves memory OC potential to deliver the most extreme memory performance.

PCIe 5.0 + Surface-Mount Tech

Compares to conventional DIP style PCIe slot, the SMT type PCIe slot improves signal flow and maximize stability under high speed, a key breakthrough to fully support the lighting speed of the latest PCIe 5.0 standard.

The latest PCI Express 5.0 is capable to perform a breathtaking bandwidth of 128GBps, ready to unleash the full potential of future high end graphic cards.

Deluxe 6 x M.2 Socket

Supports up to 6*NVMe M.2 SSDs and one of which is able to accommodates the latest PCI Express 5.0 standard to perform twice the bandwidth compared to previous generation, with a breathtaking 128Gb/s transfer speed. It is ready to unleash the full potential of future ultrafast SSDs. to give a lightning fast data transferring experience.

XXL M.2 Heatsink

The extra large aluminum alloy M.2 heatsink effectively improves heat dissipation to keep those high speed M.2 SSDs as cool as possible, it is able to give better stability while maintaining top performance.

Anti-Drop Screw

Tired of dropping screws or screws missing inside chassis? The enhanced M.2 heatsink with anti-drop screw design that make sure installation process more easily.

Intelligent Cooling

PWM/DC Fan support

ASRock fan headers automatically detect whether fans are running in DC or PWM mode, allowing users to fine-tune the fan curve and achieve quieter operation.

Thermistor Header

The thermistor cable and thermistor header provide an additional source for temperature monitoring, offering customized thermal management solutions based on workload. Thermal management settings can be easily configured via Fan-Tastic Tuning or UEFI.

Fan-Tastic Tuning

ASRock Phantom Gaming Tuning Fan-Tastic Tuning function enables users to auto-detect the minimum duty of each fan with a single click. Users can also easily adjust the fan curve via the visualized UI interface, meeting their system’s cooling performance and noise reduction requirements.

Composite VRM Heatsink

It is equipped with a composite VRM heatsink combining a cooling fan, bigger aluminum sink and heat pipe for maximum heat dissipation.

KiLLER E3100

The Killer E3100 2.5 Gbps Ethernet controller is designed specially for competitive gamers and performance-hungry users. The enhanced detection and prioritization engine provides the ultimate networking experience for gaming and multimedia applications.

Wi-Fi 7 802.11be

Latest WiFi 7 technology delivers extreme wireless internet speeds and low latency, with higher throughput and Multi-RU as well as puncturing technology. The new WiFi 7(802.11be) technology is able to accelerate cloud-based gaming, 8K video streaming, and video conferencing.

Front USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C

The latest USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C delivers up to 20 Gbps data transfer rate which is 2x as fast as previous generation, providing a blazing fast data transfer interface with reversible USB Type-C design that fits the connector either way.

Lightning Gaming Ports

Aimed for die hard gamers and enthusiasts! Lightning Gaming Ports are sourced from two different controller interfaces that assist gamers in connecting the high speed mice/keyboard with the lower jitter and latency!

Nahimic Audio by Steelseries

Whether you are using headphones, a headset, external or internal speakers, via USB, Wi-Fi, analog output or even HDMI, Nahimic Audio offers you the most engaging listening experience, vibrant and rich with details.

POLYCHROME RGB

This motherboard features onboard RGB headers and an addressable RGB header that allow motherboard to be connected to compatible LED devices such as strip, CPU fans, coolers, chassis and so on. Users may also synchronize RGB LED devices across the Polychrome RGB Sync-certified accessories to create their own unique lighting effects.

ASRock Graphics Card Holder

Install your heavy graphics card on the holder; connect it to your motherboard and chassis with screws. Flexibly slide up and down to perfectly adjust the height required for your graphics card in place.

ARGB Splitter Cable

The ARGB Splitter Cable enables easy management of multiple ARGB devices through a single controller. With its splitting capability, it streamlines your lighting setup for a unified and dynamic aesthetic.

Thermistor Cable

The thermistor cable and thermistor header provide an additional source for temperature monitoring, offering customized thermal management solutions.

Specifications

• nique Feature
  Superb Productivity
  – PCIe Gen5 (Graphics, M.2)
  – Dual Channel DDR5
  Rock-Solid Durability
  – Server-Grade Low-Loss PCB
  – 20+1+1 Power Phase, 90A SPS for VCore+GT with Enlarged Heatsink Armor
  – Flexible Integrated I/O Shield
  – 20K Long-lasting Black Caps (high quality and conductive polymer capacitors)
  Ultrafast Connectivity
  – Killer 2.5G LAN, 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 Module
  – ASRock Lightning Gaming Ports
  EZ Update
  – ASRock Auto Driver Installer
• CPU
  – Supports 14^th, 13^th & 12^th Gen Intel^® Core™ Processors (LGA1700)
  – Supports Intel^® Hybrid Technology
  – Supports Intel^® Turbo Boost Max 3.0 Technology
  – Supports Intel^® Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB)
  – Supports Intel^® Adaptive Boost Technology (ABT)
  – Supports ASRock Hyper BCLK Engine
• Chipset
  – Intel^® Z790
• Memory
  – Dual Channel DDR5 Memory Technology
  – 4 x DDR5 DIMM Slots
  – Supports DDR5 non-ECC, un-buffered memory up to 8000+(OC)*
  – Max. capacity of system memory: 192GB
  – Supports Intel^® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) 3.0*

  * 1DPC 1R Up to 8000+ MHz (OC), 4800 MHz Natively. 1DPC 2R Up to 6800+ MHz (OC), 4400 MHz Natively. 2DPC 1R Up to 6000+ MHz (OC), 4000 MHz Natively. 2DPC 2R Up to 5600+ MHz (OC), 3600 MHz Natively.
• BIOS
  – 256Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
• Graphics
  – Intel^® Xe Graphics Architecture (Gen 12)
  – 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS Compatible, supports HDCP 2.3 and max. resolution up to 4K 60Hz
  – 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC (compressed), supports HDCP 2.3 and max. resolution up to 8K 60Hz / 5K 120Hz

  * Intel^® UHD Graphics Built-in Visuals and the VGA outputs can be supported only with processors which are GPU integrated.
• Audio
  – 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC4082 Audio Codec)
  – Individual PCB Layers for R/L Audio Channel
  – Impedance Sensing on Rear Out port
  – Nahimic Audio
• LAN
  – 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s
  – Killer E3100G
  – Supports Killer LAN Software
• Wireless LAN
  – 802.11be 2×2 Wi-Fi 7 Module
  – Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be
  – Supports 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz* frequency band
  – Supports 320MHz channel bandwidth with 6GHz frequency band*
  – 1 antenna to support 2 (Transmit) x 2 (Receive) diversity technology
  – Supports Bluetooth 5.4**
  – Supports MU-MIMO

  * Wi-Fi 7 (6GHz band) will be supported by Microsoft^® Windows^® 11. The availability will depend on the different regulation status of each country and region. It will be activated (for supported countries) through Windows^® Update and software updates once available.
  A 6GHz compatible router is required for 7 functionality.**Bluetooth Audio Offload (HFP, A2DP, and LE Audio) is not supported.
• Slots
  CPU:
  – 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1), supports x16 mode*
  Chipset:
  – 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2), supports x4 mode*
  – 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 Slot (PCIE3)*
  – 1 x Vertical M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT PCIe WiFi module and Intel^® CNVio/CNVio2 (Integrated WiFi/BT)
  – Supports AMD CrossFire™
  – 15μ Gold Contact in VGA PCIe Slot (PCIE1)

  * Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
  If M2_1 is occupied, PCIE1 will downgrade to x8 mode.
• Storage
  CPU:
  – 1 x Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode*
  – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
  Chipset:
  – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_3, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
  – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_4, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
  – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_5, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s & PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) modes*
  – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_6, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
  – 4 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors

  * Supports Intel^® Volume Management Device (VMD)
  Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
  If M2_1 is occupied, PCIE1 will downgrade to x8 mode.
• RAID
  – Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA storage devices
  – Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for M.2 NVMe storage devices
• USB
  – 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (1 Rear, 1 Front)
  – 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear)
  – 7 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (3 Rear, 4 Front)
  – 6 x USB 2.0 (2 Rear, 4 Front)

  * All USB ports support ESD Protection
• Connector
  – 3 x Thermistor Cable Headers
  – 1 x SPI TPM Header
  – 1 x Power LED and Speaker Header
  – 1 x RGB LED Header*
  – 3 x Addressable LED Headers**
  – 1 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin)***
  – 1 x CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)****
  – 5 x Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)*****
  – 1 x VRM Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)******
  – 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector)
  – 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors (Hi-Density Power Connector)
  – 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector (15μ Gold Audio Connector)
  – 1 x Thunderbolt™ AIC Connector (5-pin) (Supports ASRock Thunderbolt™ 4 AIC Card)
  – 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
  – 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Headers (Support 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports)
  – 1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (20 Gb/s)
  – 1 x Dr. Debug with LED
  – 1 x Power Button with LED
  – 1 x Reset Button with LED

  * Supports in total up to 12V/3A, 36W LED Strip
  ** Support in total up to 5V/3A, 15W LED Strip
  *** CPU_FAN1 supports the fan power up to 1A (12W).
  **** CPU_FAN2/WP supports the fan power up to 2A (24W).
  ***** CHA_FAN1~5/WP support the fan power up to 2A (24W).
  ***** CPU_FAN2/WP and CHA_FAN1~5/WP can auto detect if 3-pin or 4-pin fan is in use.
  ****** VRM_FAN supports the VRM fan power up to 2A (24W).
• Rear Panel I/O
  – 2 x Antenna Ports
  – 1 x HDMI Port
  – 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
  – 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
  – 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Port (20 Gb/s)
  – 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Ports (10 Gb/s) *
  – 3 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports *
  – 2 x USB 2.0 Ports
  – 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port
  – 1 x Clear CMOS Button
  – 1 x Line Out Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
  – 1 x Microphone Input Jack (Gold Audio Jack)

  * USB32_12 support Ultra USB Power. USB32_34 are Lightning Gaming Ports.
• Software and UEFI
  Software
  – ASRock Motherboard Utility (Phantom Gaming Tuning)
  – Killer Control Center
  – ASRock Polychrome SYNC*
  UEFI
  – ASRock EZ Mode
  – ASRock Full HD UEFI
  – ASRock My Favorites in UEFI
  – ASRock Auto Driver Installer
  – ASRock Instant Flash
  – ASRock Easy RAID Installer

  *These utilities can be downloaded from ASRock Live Update & APP Shop.
• Accessories
  – 1 x User Manual
  – 4 x SATA Data Cables
  – 1 x Graphics Card Holder
  – 1 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antenna
  – 1 x ARGB Splitter Cable
  – 3 x Thermistor Cables
  – 5 x Screws for M.2 Sockets
  – 5 x Standoffs for M.2 Sockets
• Form Factor
  – ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm
  – 8 Layer PCB
  – 2oz Copper PCB

More information on ASRock’s website.