ASRock Phantom Gaming Intel Z790I Lightning WiFi DDR5 DIMMs up to 8600+ (OC) MHz 128GB LGA1700 M.2 Mini-ITX Motherboard SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Z790 802.11axe Wi-Fi 6E PCIe 5.0 x16
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AI Verdict
This Mini-ITX Z790 board packs a 14+1+1 phase VRM, 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, and three M.2 slots for compact, high-performance Intel 12th-14th Gen builds.
This ASRock Z790I Lightning WiFi is a strong fit for anyone building a high-end Mini-ITX system with Intel 12th-14th Gen CPUs. Its 14+1+1 phase VRM and 8600+ MHz DDR5 support are top-tier for overclocking, and the inclusion of a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and a Gen5 M.2 slot means you're getting cutting-edge performance in a tiny package.
If you need more USB connectivity or the absolute latest Wi-Fi 7, look for Z790 ITX boards with a higher port count or a newer wireless module.
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Pros
- Features a robust 14+1+1 Phase Power Design with 110A SPS for VCore+GT, ensuring stable power delivery for demanding CPUs.
- Supports DDR5 DIMMs up to 8600+ (OC) MHz, allowing for very high memory speeds.
- Includes one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for the latest graphics cards and one PCIe Gen5x4 M.2 slot for ultra-fast storage.
- Offers extensive storage options for its Mini-ITX size with one PCIe Gen5x4 M.2, two PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 slots, and two SATA3 6.0 Gb/s ports.
- Integrated 802.11axe Wi-Fi 6E and Phantom Gaming 2.5G LAN provide fast wired and wireless network connectivity.
Cons
- Offers fewer USB ports compared to some other Z790 ITX motherboards, potentially limiting peripheral connections without a hub.
- Lacks support for the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard, which might be a consideration for future-proofing.
- Maximum memory capacity is 96GB across two DIMM slots, which might be a limitation for specific high-end workstation tasks requiring 128GB.
- The Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec is a mid-range solution, not the highest-tier audio available on some premium boards.
Dimension Scores
The 14+1+1 Phase Power Design with 110A SPS for VCore+GT is exceptional for a Mini-ITX board, supporting stable overclocking of high-end CPUs.
It includes 802.11axe Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G LAN, Nahimic Audio, and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, offering a comprehensive set of modern features for its size.
For a Mini-ITX board, three M.2 slots (one Gen5x4, two Gen4x4) and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot provide extensive storage and GPU expansion capabilities.
It features a 128Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support and ASRock's Phantom Gaming LAN Software, which is generally user-friendly and functional.
Best For
- Building a compact, high-performance gaming PC with 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Intel Core processors.
- Enthusiasts aiming for high DDR5 memory overclocking speeds up to 8600+ MHz.
- Users needing a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for a top-tier GPU in a small form factor.
- Systems requiring a fast Gen5 M.2 SSD for primary storage and additional Gen4 M.2 drives.
Not Recommended For
- Users who require a large number of USB ports directly on the motherboard without relying on hubs.
- Those prioritizing the absolute latest wireless standard (Wi-Fi 7) for future connectivity.
- Builds that demand 128GB of RAM for specific professional applications.
Watch Out For
- You'll find fewer USB ports than some competitors, so plan for a USB hub if you have many peripherals.
- This board doesn't have Wi-Fi 7, so if you're building for the absolute latest wireless tech, you'll be missing out.
- While it has three M.2 slots, only one is PCIe Gen5x4; the other two are Gen4x4, which might be slower than expected if you're anticipating all Gen5 speeds.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0D3S7Z3YG |
| Brand | ASRock |
| Platform | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Batteries | 1 CR2032 batteries required. |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Model Name | Z790I Lightning WiFi |
| Item Weight | 2.4 pounds |
| Chipset Type | Intel Z790 |
| Manufacturer | ASRock |
| Item model number | Z790ILIGHTNINGWIFI |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Memory Clock Speed | 8600 MHz |
| Compatible Processors | 12th Gen Intel Core Processor, 13th Gen Intel Core Processor, 14th Gen Intel Core Processor |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR5 |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 96 GB |
What Buyers Say
Users are really digging the ASRock Z790I Lightning WiFi, calling it an 'insane value' and 'top tier' for Z790 overclocking, especially considering its price. The robust VRM and high-speed DDR5 support are frequently highlighted as major wins for pushing performance in a small build. However, some folks are pointing out the limited number of USB ports and the lack of Wi-Fi 7 as areas where it could be better.
“Dude, this board is a beast for my tiny gaming rig, the VRM is rock solid and my RAM flies, but seriously, where are all the USB ports?!”
Common Praise
- The 14+1+1 phase power design with 110A SPS handles demanding processors like the i9-14900K without breaking a sweat.
- Achieves very high DDR5 memory speeds, with support up to 8600+ MHz (OC).
- Offers a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for the latest, most powerful graphics cards.
- The inclusion of a PCIe Gen5x4 M.2 slot provides blazing-fast storage potential.
- Provides a strong price-to-performance ratio for a high-end Z790 ITX board.
Common Complaints
- The number of USB ports on the rear I/O is less than some other Z790 ITX motherboards.
- Does not include Wi-Fi 7, which might be a concern for those wanting the newest wireless standard.
- Some users might find the 96GB maximum RAM capacity restrictive for extreme workstation needs.
Ownership Tips
- The compact Mini-ITX form factor makes cable management a bit of a puzzle, especially with a powerful GPU and multiple M.2 drives.
- The integrated Wi-Fi 6E performs well, but you'll need a compatible router to fully utilize the 6GHz band.
- The BIOS is intuitive enough for overclocking, but getting those 8600+ MHz RAM speeds stable can take some tweaking and specific memory kits.
- The heatsinks on the VRM and M.2 slots are effective at keeping temperatures in check, even under heavy load.
- The 2.5G LAN is a noticeable upgrade if your network supports it, making file transfers and online gaming feel snappier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPUs are compatible with this motherboard?
This motherboard supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core Processors with the LGA 1700 socket.
What is the maximum RAM speed and capacity supported?
It supports dual-channel DDR5 DIMMs up to 8600+ (OC) MHz, with a maximum capacity of 96GB.
How many M.2 slots does this Mini-ITX board have, and what are their speeds?
It features three M.2 slots: one Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5x4) and two Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4).
Does this motherboard include Wi-Fi and Ethernet?
Yes, it comes with integrated 802.11axe Wi-Fi 6E and a Phantom Gaming 2.5G LAN port.
Is this motherboard suitable for overclocking?
Absolutely. With its 14+1+1 Phase Power Design and 110A SPS, it's designed for stable CPU and memory overclocking.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a motherboard like this, especially a Mini-ITX, you need to think about what you're actually going to plug into it. It's not just about the CPU socket; it's about how much power it can deliver to that CPU (VRM), how fast your RAM can go, and how many storage drives you can cram in there. For a small board, every port and slot counts, so don't just assume you'll have endless USBs or every M.2 slot will be the fastest. You're trading size for some potential limitations.
VRM & Power Phases
Think of the VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) as the power plant for your CPU. More phases and higher amperage (like this board's 14+1+1 phase, 110A SPS) mean it can deliver more stable and consistent power, especially crucial if you're pushing your CPU with overclocking or running a high-end chip like an i9. It's the difference between a smooth ride and a sputtering engine.
DDR5 DIMMs & Speed
This refers to the type and speed of memory (RAM) the board supports. DDR5 is the latest generation, and 8600+ MHz (OC) is seriously fast. It's like having a wider, faster highway for your computer's short-term memory, which helps with everything from gaming frame rates to video editing. The 'DIMMs' are the physical slots for your RAM sticks.
PCIe 5.0 x16 & M.2 Slots
The PCIe 5.0 x16 slot is where your graphics card goes, and version 5.0 means it's ready for the fastest GPUs coming out. The M.2 slots are for tiny, super-fast SSDs. Having one Gen5x4 M.2 is like having a private jet runway for your operating system, while the Gen4x4 slots are still incredibly fast commercial airports for your games and files.
Alternatives
If this board doesn't quite fit, look for other Z790 ITX motherboards with a higher number of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports or integrated Wi-Fi 7 for more peripheral connectivity and future-proof wireless.
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