ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi Intel® Z890 LGA 1851 ATX Motherboard, Advanced AI PC-Ready, 18+2+1+2 Stages, DDR5, WiFi 7, 7X M.2, Thunderbolt™ 4, USB Type-C®, AI Overclocking, Cooling & Networking
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AI Verdict
This is an ATX Intel Z890 motherboard with LGA 1851 socket, 18+2+1+2 power stages, and seven M.2 slots, built for Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) CPUs and high-end DDR5 memory.
This motherboard is a strong fit for anyone building a top-tier system around Intel's new Core Ultra (Series 2) processors. Its robust power delivery, extensive M.2 storage options, and cutting-edge connectivity like WiFi 7 and Thunderbolt 4 align perfectly with demanding applications and future-proofing.
If you need even more extreme memory overclocking or specialized features for competitive benchmarking, look for a Z890 board specifically designed for record-breaking memory speeds.
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Pros
- Features a robust 18(110A)+2(90A)+1(90A)+2(80A) power stage design for stable power delivery to Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors.
- Includes seven M.2 slots, with three supporting PCIe 5.0 x4 for blistering 16 GB/s speeds and four supporting PCIe 4.0 x4.
- Equipped with WiFi 7, offering 320MHz bandwidth and up to 5.8Gbps transfer rates, alongside 5Gb Ethernet for high-speed networking.
- Boasts two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports and numerous USB 10Gbps and 5Gbps ports for extensive peripheral connectivity.
- Integrates exclusive AI technologies like NPU Boost, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and AI Networking II for optimized performance and system management.
- Features DIY-friendly elements such as PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim, M.2 Q-Latch, M.2 Q-Release, Q-Antenna, and a pre-mounted I/O shield for easier building.
Cons
- The onboard audio codec (ALC4080) utilizes a USB interface, which one early reviewer noted as a departure from traditional HDA codecs.
- The LGA 1851 socket is not backward compatible with older LGA 1700 CPUs, requiring a new processor for this motherboard.
- The Z890 chipset and LGA 1851 platform exclusively support DDR5 memory, making existing DDR4 RAM incompatible.
- Despite being an ATX board, the sheer number of features and cooling solutions might lead to a crowded layout for some builders.
Dimension Scores
The 18(110A)+2(90A)+1(90A)+2(80A) power stages are exceptionally robust, providing ample and stable power for high-end Core Ultra (Series 2) CPUs, even under overclocking.
With NPU Boost, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, WiFi 7, Thunderbolt 4, and advanced memory technologies like DIMM Flex, this board is packed with cutting-edge features.
Offering seven M.2 slots (three PCIe 5.0), a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and numerous USB ports, the expansion capabilities are extensive.
ASUS's AI Advisor, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and DIY-friendly BIOS features like Q-Code and BIOS Flashback provide comprehensive control and ease of use.
Best For
- Building a high-performance gaming PC with Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors and PCIe 5.0 graphics cards.
- Content creators and professionals needing extensive high-speed storage with seven M.2 slots, including three PCIe 5.0.
- Enthusiasts looking to leverage advanced AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and high-speed DDR5 memory (up to 8800+ MT/s OC) for maximum performance.
Not Recommended For
- Budget-conscious builders, as the $429.99 MSRP and high-end features position it in the upper-mid range.
- Users upgrading from older Intel platforms (LGA 1700 or earlier) who wish to retain their existing CPU or DDR4 memory.
Watch Out For
- No user-reported pitfalls are available yet, as the product's official release date is October 10, 2024.
- The audio codec's USB interface might be a minor adjustment for users accustomed to traditional HDA codecs.
- While cooler mounting holes are compatible with LGA 1700, the Z-height and thermal hotspots have shifted, potentially requiring updated mounting kits for optimal cooling.
Full Specifications
| RAM | DDR5 |
| ASIN | B0DGWRK1PN |
| Brand | ASUS |
| Color | BLACK |
| Series | ROG STRIX Z890- E GAMING WIFI |
| Platform | Windows 11 |
| CPU Model | Intel Core Ultra 5 |
| Processor | intel_core_ultra_5 |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1851 |
| Model Name | ROG STRIX Z890- E GAMING WIFI |
| Item Weight | 6.48 pounds |
| Chipset Type | Intel Z890 |
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
| Memory Speed | 320 MHz |
| Item model number | ROG STRIX Z890- E GAMING WIFI |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Memory Clock Speed | 320 MHz |
| Product Dimensions | 14 x 11.3 x 3.5 inches |
| Compatible Processors | Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors(series 2) |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR5 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14 x 11.3 x 3.5 inches |
What Buyers Say
Since this motherboard officially launches on October 10, 2024, there aren't widespread consumer reviews yet. However, early access reviews highlight its robust power delivery and extensive M.2 storage as major advantages. Builders seem to appreciate the DIY-friendly features like the pre-installed I/O shield and Q-Release mechanisms. The only minor quibble noted so far is the USB-based audio codec, which one reviewer initially found unusual but adapted to.
“Look, I needed a board that could handle the new Intel Core Ultra, and this thing's power delivery is just insane, like it's built for whatever I throw at it. Plus, seven M.2 slots? My storage worries are gone forever.”
Common Praise
- Installation was a breeze, especially with the pre-installed I/O shield.
- The 18+2+1+2 power stage design can handle extreme power draw and maintain stability during overclocking.
- Seven M.2 NVMe slots, including three PCIe 5.0 compatible, offer long-term storage expandability.
- The Q-Code display is crucial for diagnosing boot issues, and the Clear CMOS button is a lifesaver for system failures.
- The layout makes cable management super easy, contributing to a clean build.
Common Complaints
- The choice of an audio codec that connects via a USB interface rather than a traditional high-definition audio interface was initially disliked by one reviewer.
- No widespread consumer complaints are available yet due to the product's future release date.
Ownership Tips
- The exclusive BIOS features for memory optimization really do make a difference in performance and stability.
- The robust cooling solution, with heatsinks on all M.2 slots and a heat pipe on the primary one, keeps everything running cool even under load.
- The sheer number of USB ports means I'm not constantly juggling peripherals or needing a hub.
- The DIY-friendly features like Q-Release for PCIe and M.2 slots genuinely simplify the build process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPUs are compatible with this motherboard?
This motherboard is designed for Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2) and uses the new LGA 1851 socket.
What type of RAM does this motherboard support?
It supports DDR5 memory exclusively, with four DIMM slots and overclocked speeds up to 8800+ MT/s.
How many M.2 slots does it have?
The board features seven M.2 slots, with three supporting PCIe 5.0 and four supporting PCIe 4.0.
Does it have WiFi 7?
Yes, it comes with integrated WiFi 7, supporting 320MHz bandwidth and transfer rates up to 5.8Gbps.
Are my old LGA 1700 CPU cooler and DDR4 RAM compatible?
The LGA 1851 socket is mechanically compatible with LGA 1700 coolers, but the motherboard only supports DDR5 RAM, so your DDR4 will not work.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a motherboard like this, you're essentially buying the foundation for your entire PC. It dictates what CPU you can use, what kind of RAM, how much storage, and what expansion cards you can add. For a high-end board like the Z890-E, you're paying for cutting-edge features and robust power delivery that will let you push your components to their limits and ensure compatibility with future upgrades. Don't cheap out here if you're building a top-tier system.
LGA 1851 Socket
This is the CPU socket, and it's brand new for Intel's Core Ultra (Series 2) processors. Think of it like a specific keyhole; only the right key (CPU) will fit. This means you can't use older Intel CPUs with this board.
18+2+1+2 Power Stages
This refers to the Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) design, which delivers power to your CPU. More stages and higher amperage (like 110A) mean cleaner, more stable power, especially important for high-performance CPUs and overclocking, preventing crashes and ensuring longevity.
DDR5 Memory
This is the type of RAM the motherboard supports. DDR5 is the latest generation, offering faster speeds and higher capacities than DDR4. If you have older DDR4 RAM, it won't work here, so you'll need to buy new DDR5.
7x M.2 Slots (3x PCIe 5.0)
M.2 slots are for super-fast NVMe SSDs. Having seven, especially three that are PCIe 5.0, means you can install multiple high-speed drives for massive storage and incredibly fast game loading or file transfers, without sacrificing speed.
Alternatives
If this board is too feature-rich or expensive, look for Z890 boards with fewer M.2 slots, a less aggressive VRM design, or consider a B860 chipset board if you don't plan on CPU overclocking.
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