ASUS ProArt Z890-CREATOR WIFI Z890 LGA 1851 ATX Motherboard, Intel® Core™ Ultra Processor Series 2 Ready, 16+2+1+2 stages, PCIe® 5.0, DDR5, Thunderbolt™ 5 Type-C®, 10+2.5 Gb LAN, WiFi 7, 5x M.2, AI OC
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AI Verdict
This ATX Z890 motherboard with LGA1851 socket and dual Thunderbolt 5 is for creators needing extensive connectivity and robust power delivery.
This motherboard is a strong fit for its intended audience of content creators and workstation users, offering robust 16+2+1+2 power stages and extensive connectivity like dual Thunderbolt 5 and 10 Gb Ethernet. Its support for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors and PCIe 5.0 ensures future-proofing for demanding tasks.
If you don't need dual Thunderbolt 5 or 10 Gb Ethernet, look for a Z890 board with fewer high-speed I/O options to potentially save cost.
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Pros
- Supports Intel Core Ultra Series 2 9, 7, and 5 desktop processors with an LGA1851 socket.
- Features 16+2+1+2 teamed power stages for stable power delivery to high-core-count CPUs.
- Offers dual Thunderbolt 5 and one Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed peripheral connectivity.
- Includes 10 Gb and 2.5 Gb Ethernet, plus WiFi 7 for diverse and fast networking options.
- Provides two PCIe 5.0 slots for next-gen GPUs and five M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0, four PCIe 4.0) for extensive storage.
- DIY-friendly features like PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim and M.2 Q-Latch simplify component installation without tools.
Cons
- The large primary M.2 heatsink can interfere with GPU installation if not opened before inserting the graphics card.
- One PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot shares bandwidth with a PCIe slot, meaning you must choose between using one or the other.
- Lacks a postcode LED, relying instead on Q-LEDs for boot diagnostics.
- The curved design of the VRM heatsinks might accumulate dust over time.
- Only one of the five M.2 slots supports SATA SSDs; the others are NVMe-only.
Dimension Scores
Features 16+2+1+2 teamed power stages, with 90A stages for the CPU, ensuring stable power for high-core-count processors.
Includes dual Thunderbolt 5, 10Gb/2.5Gb LAN, WiFi 7, AI Overclocking, and a suite of DIY-friendly features.
Offers two PCIe 5.0 slots, one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, and four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, supporting extensive storage and GPU configurations.
Features AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, AI Networking II, AI Advisor, NPU boost, and BIOS FlashBack for comprehensive system management and updates.
Best For
- Content creators requiring multiple high-speed Thunderbolt 5 connections for external storage and displays.
- Workstation builds utilizing Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors for demanding AI and creative applications.
- Users needing advanced networking with 10 Gb Ethernet and WiFi 7 for fast data transfers.
- PC builders who prioritize tool-less installation features for M.2 SSDs and PCIe cards.
Not Recommended For
- Budget-conscious builders who do not require extensive high-speed I/O or advanced power delivery.
- Users who rely on a numerical postcode display for detailed boot troubleshooting.
- Gamers whose primary focus is maximum raw gaming performance without needing creator-specific features.
Watch Out For
- The primary M.2 heatsink must be opened before installing a graphics card, as it can physically interfere with the GPU's I/O shield.
- Using the fifth M.2 slot for storage disables a PCIe slot due to shared bandwidth, requiring a choice between them.
- The motherboard does not include a postcode LED for detailed boot error codes, only simpler Q-LEDs for diagnostics.
- The onboard audio solution is described as 'basic' and 'nothing fancy,' suggesting it might not satisfy users requiring advanced audio features.
Full Specifications
| RAM | DDR5 |
| ASIN | B0DGW9S82G |
| Brand | ASUS |
| Color | BLACK |
| Series | PROART Z890-CREATOR WIFI |
| Platform | Windows 11 |
| CPU Model | Intel Core Ultra 5 |
| Processor | intel_core_ultra_5 |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1851 |
| Model Name | PROART Z890-CREATOR WIFI |
| Item Weight | 5.94 pounds |
| Chipset Type | Intel Z890 |
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
| Memory Speed | 9066 MHz |
| Item model number | PROART Z890-CREATOR WIFI |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Memory Clock Speed | 9066 MHz |
| Product Dimensions | 3.4 x 14 x 11 inches |
| Compatible Processors | Z890 |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR5 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.4 x 14 x 11 inches |
What Buyers Say
Reviewers highlight the motherboard's focus on creators, praising its extensive connectivity and robust power delivery for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors. The unique M.2 heatsink design, which allows for tool-less installation, is frequently mentioned as a significant convenience. However, a potential physical interference between the primary M.2 heatsink and a graphics card's I/O shield is noted, requiring careful installation order.
“Man, this board has all the ports you could ever want for editing, but seriously, that M.2 heatsink almost made me break my GPU trying to put it in first, what a pain!”
Common Praise
- Provides dual Thunderbolt 5 ports, offering unparalleled high-speed peripheral connectivity.
- Features 10 Gb and 2.5 Gb Ethernet, along with WiFi 7, for diverse and fast networking.
- The M.2 Q-Latch and Q-Release Slim for PCIe slots simplify component installation without tools.
- Robust 16+2+1+2 teamed power stages ensure stable performance for demanding CPUs.
- Offers five M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 and four PCIe 4.0, for extensive high-speed storage.
- The inclusion of a 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud membership adds value for its target audience.
Common Complaints
- The large primary M.2 heatsink can obstruct GPU installation if not opened beforehand.
- One M.2 slot shares bandwidth with a PCIe slot, forcing a choice between using both simultaneously.
- The motherboard lacks a numerical postcode display, relying on less detailed Q-LEDs for boot diagnostics.
- The curved VRM heatsink design is identified as a potential area for dust accumulation.
- Onboard audio is described as 'basic,' suggesting it may not meet the expectations of audiophiles.
Ownership Tips
- The M.2 heatsink's hinge mechanism makes SSD swaps surprisingly quick and tool-free.
- The Q-Antenna for WiFi 7 is easy to connect and position for optimal signal.
- BIOS FlashBack allows for CPU-less BIOS updates, which is handy for new processor releases.
- The dual LAN ports (10Gb and 2.5Gb) provide flexibility for connecting to different network speeds without extra adapters.
- The motherboard's aesthetic, with its tone-on-tone black and metallic gold, maintains a professional look without excessive RGB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPUs are compatible with this motherboard?
This motherboard supports Intel Core Ultra Series 2 9, 7, and 5 desktop processors using the LGA1851 socket.
Does this motherboard support DDR5 memory?
Yes, it supports DDR5 memory with speeds up to 9066 MHz when overclocked.
How many M.2 slots does it have for storage?
It features five M.2 slots: one PCIe 5.0 and four PCIe 4.0, allowing for extensive high-speed NVMe storage.
Does it have Thunderbolt connectivity?
Yes, it includes dual Thunderbolt 5 ports and an additional Thunderbolt 4 port for high-bandwidth peripherals.
What kind of network connectivity does it offer?
It comes with 10 Gb and 2.5 Gb Ethernet ports, plus integrated WiFi 7 for wireless networking.
Is it easy to install components like M.2 SSDs and graphics cards?
It features DIY-friendly designs like M.2 Q-Latch and PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim for easier, tool-free installation of components. However, the large M.2 heatsink needs to be opened before installing a GPU to avoid interference.
Does this motherboard support overclocking?
Yes, it includes ASUS's AI Overclocking technology to assist with optimizing CPU and memory performance.
Buying Guide
When buying a motherboard, you need to match it to your CPU socket and RAM type. This board uses the new LGA1851 socket for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors and DDR5 RAM. Consider how many high-speed storage drives (M.2 SSDs) and external devices (Thunderbolt) you'll connect, as these features vary widely between boards. Also, think about your networking needs; 10 Gb Ethernet is overkill for basic browsing but essential for large file transfers.
LGA1851 Socket
This is the physical connection for your CPU. You need a processor specifically designed for this socket, like Intel Core Ultra Series 2, otherwise it won't fit or work.
DDR5 RAM
This specifies the generation of memory modules the board accepts. DDR5 is the latest standard, offering faster speeds than DDR4, which is crucial for demanding applications and large datasets.
Thunderbolt 5
Think of Thunderbolt 5 as a super-fast, multi-purpose USB-C port. It can connect high-resolution displays, external GPUs, and incredibly fast storage devices all through one cable, which is a game-changer for creators.
PCIe 5.0
This is the highway for your graphics card and fastest M.2 SSDs. PCIe 5.0 offers double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0, meaning your GPU and storage can transfer data much quicker, reducing bottlenecks in high-performance systems.
Alternatives
If you don't need dual Thunderbolt 5 or 10 Gb Ethernet, search for Z890 motherboards with fewer high-speed I/O ports. If you require more than one SATA M.2 slot, look for boards that explicitly support multiple SATA M.2 drives.
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