ASRock Z790 PG Lightning Motherboard review A powerful choice for PC builders

Description

Design and Build Quality

The ASRock Z790 PG Lightning Motherboard immediately caught my attention with its sleek and modern aesthetic. It’s not just about appearances, though; the board feels sturdy and well-constructed. The 14+1+1 phase power design with Dr.MOS for VCore+GT ensures efficient delivery of power, which is a huge plus for anyone planning to overclock or push their system to its limits. I found the layout intuitive, with well-placed PCIe slots and DIMM slots that made installation straightforward. The black and silver accents add a professional vibe, while the subtle branding doesn’t scream for attention, which I personally prefer over flashy RGB-laden designs.

Performance and Features

Testing this motherboard with a 13th Gen Intel Core Processor, I was genuinely impressed by its performance capabilities. The DDR5 support up to 6800+(OC) makes it future-proof and ensures blazing-fast speeds for demanding applications or gaming. I ran a few resource-heavy tasks, including video rendering and gaming, and the system handled them effortlessly.

The inclusion of 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot is a standout feature, ensuring compatibility with the latest GPUs. Additionally, having 3 PCIe 3.0 x1 slots and 1 M.2 Key-E for WiFi offers excellent flexibility for expansion. The multiple M.2 slots, including 1 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4 & SATA3) and three others, are a dream for anyone looking to max out storage speed and capacity.

Audio is another department where this motherboard shines. The Nahimic Audio with Realtek ALC897 codec delivers clear, immersive sound. Whether I was gaming or streaming music, the 7.1 channel HD audio provided a rich listening experience.

Key Benefits

• Supports both 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core Processors, making it versatile for different setups.
• DDR5 DIMM compatibility ensures high-speed performance.
• Multiple Hyper M.2 slots for ultra-fast storage solutions.
• Robust power design for stable overclocking.
• Extensive USB options, including USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C for fast data transfer.

Downsides

Despite its many strengths, there are some areas for improvement I noticed while using this motherboard:

• The Realtek 2.5G LAN is reliable but lacks the advanced features of some premium LAN chips like Intel’s.
• The absence of integrated WiFi could be a dealbreaker for some, though the M.2 Key-E slot provides an option for adding it later.
• While the audio performance is solid, audiophiles might prefer higher-end codecs or a dedicated sound card.

Compatibility and User Base

This motherboard is clearly designed with enthusiasts and gamers in mind. Those who enjoy tinkering with their builds or pushing hardware to its limits will appreciate the overclocking potential and robust feature set. At the same time, its ease of installation and compatibility with both current and previous-gen Intel processors makes it accessible for less-experienced builders looking to future-proof their system.

That said, if you’re a casual user or someone who doesn’t need the latest and greatest tech, this might be overkill. However, if you’re planning a high-performance build, this motherboard is an excellent choice.

Market Rivals

Comparing the ASRock Z790 PG Lightning Motherboard to its rivals like the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E, I found some interesting differences. While the MSI board offers integrated WiFi and a slightly better audio codec, it’s often pricier and doesn’t include as many USB ports. The ASUS option, on the other hand, boasts more RGB lighting and a few extra overclocking features, but it might not appeal to those who prefer a more understated design.

What sets the ASRock model apart is its balance of features and cost-effectiveness. It delivers solid performance and future-proofing at a price point that undercuts many competitors without sacrificing too much in terms of functionality.

Worth Every Penny

The price-to-performance ratio of this motherboard makes it an attractive option for gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts alike. While it’s not the cheapest on the market, the combination of DDR5 support, PCIe 5.0, and robust power delivery ensures you’re getting a lot of value for each dollar spent. In my experience, it offers highly competitive performance without veering into the territory of diminishing returns that some high-end models fall into.

Additional information