ASRock has expanded its Phantom Gaming lineup with several new mainstream motherboards, including the feature-packed “Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi”. This motherboard is a powerhouse, boasting the latest WiFi 7 for ultra-fast wireless connectivity and a Killer 2.5GbE LAN for high-speed networking. Its robust power delivery system features a 16+1+1-phase 90A DrMOS SPS, ensuring stable power for high-performance computing. With support for the cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 standard and a tool-free M.2 heatsink design, it simplifies the process of upgrading storage. It’s also equipped to handle extensive storage needs, supporting up to five M.2 NVMe SSDs and eight SATA3 interfaces, making it an ideal platform for gamers and users with significant storage requirements.
Key Specifications:
- Form Factor: ATX (30.5cm x 24.4cm), 8-layer PCB
- CPU Compatibility: Supports Intel Core processors of the 12th, 13th, and 14th generations (LGA1700)
- CPU Power Delivery: 16+1+1 phase 90A SPS for VCore+GT
- Chipset: Intel Z790
- Memory: Supports up to 192GB DDR5 (4 x DIMM slots), with speeds over 8000 MHz when overclocked (OC)
- Expansion Slots: Includes 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 4 x PCIe 4.0 x 16, and 1 x PCIe 3.0
- BIOS: 128Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS featuring a GUI
- Storage Interfaces: M2_GEN5 PCIe Gen5x4, Hyper M2_1 to M2_4 PCIe Gen4x4, and 8 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s
- Networking: Killer E3100G LAN module
- Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 802.11be 2×2 and Bluetooth 5.4
- USB Ports: A variety including USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (front), USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (rear), and more
- RGB Support: RGB 4pin and ARGB 3pin x 3 connectors
- Cooling: Multiple fan connectors, including for CPU and chassis, with Smart Fan Speed Control
- Display Outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, eDP 1.4
- Audio: Equipped with Realtek ALC1220 audio codec
This motherboard is designed to cater to enthusiasts and gamers, offering a robust platform for high-performance computing and extensive storage capabilities.
Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi Unboxing
The ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi motherboard is engineered for stability and power efficiency, featuring an 8-layer PCB design. This design is crucial for maintaining a stable power signal, vital for high-performance systems. The motherboard’s VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) power supply is structured with a 16+1+1 phase design, where each phase utilizes Dr.MOS SPS (Smart Power Stage). This technology optimizes current flow and temperature control, ensuring the motherboard can handle the demands of power-intensive processors like the Intel i9-14900K, even under overclocking conditions that can draw around 300W of power.
In terms of expansion capabilities, the Z790 Riptide WiFi is well-equipped. It includes a range of PCIe slots: 1 x PCIe 5.0×16, 4 x PCIe 4.0×16, and 1 x PCIe 3.0×1. This configuration provides ample options for various high-speed peripherals and expansion cards. The motherboard also features a comprehensive M.2 slot layout, including 1 set of M.2 Gen5x4 and 4 sets of M.2 Gen4x4. Two of these M.2 slots are directly connected to the CPU for faster data transfer, while the remaining three are linked to the chipset. Notably, the primary M.2 PCIe Gen5x4 slot, labeled ‘Riptide’, shares bandwidth with the first PCIe 5.0 slot. When an M.2 SSD is installed, the PCIe slot downgrades to x8 mode, a common trade-off to balance high-speed storage and expansion options. The motherboard boasts 8 sets of SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors, providing a vast array of options for storage expansion, catering to a diverse range of user requirements.
The Z790 Riptide WiFi also excels in USB connectivity. On the front side, it offers a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, 2 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, and 4 USB 2.0 ports, catering to various USB-enabled devices and peripherals. The rear I/O of the motherboard is equally impressive, featuring 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port, 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C port, 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, and 2 USB 2.0 ports. This comprehensive USB interface layout ensures that users have ample connectivity options for a wide range of devices, from high-speed external storage solutions to everyday peripherals.
ASRock’s latest addition to its Phantom Gaming series introduces three new models, each distinctively marked with their names on the front of their sleek, all-black design. This feature allows for easy identification and adds to the aesthetic appeal of the motherboards. Among these new releases, the PG Z790 Riptide WiFi stands out with its robust configuration and features aimed at mid-to-high-end market segments.
The PG Z790 Riptide WiFi is engineered with a 16+1+1 phase power supply and VRM, ensuring stable and efficient power delivery even under high workloads. This is a crucial feature for users looking to overclock or run power-intensive applications. The VRM is also equipped with an L-shaped cooling module, which is not only effective in dissipating heat but also contributes to the motherboard’s overall sleek design.
Memory capacity and speed are other areas where the Z790 Riptide WiFi excels. It features four DDR5 memory slots, capable of supporting up to 192GB of RAM. This large capacity is complemented by its ability to handle overclocked memory speeds exceeding 8000 MHz, making it an excellent choice for users who demand high-performance computing and gaming.
Storage options are abundant on the Z790 Riptide WiFi. It offers five M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs, alongside eight SATA ports for additional storage drives. This combination provides users with the flexibility to build a storage system that can cater to a range of needs, from fast-access gaming libraries to large-capacity data storage.
ASRock’s commitment to delivering quality and performance is evident in the Z790 Riptide WiFi. Its comprehensive feature set and robust build quality make it a strong contender in the mid-to-high-priced motherboard market, particularly for users who prioritize storage options, memory capacity, and stable power delivery in their computing setups.
The Riptide motherboard features a unique M.2 PCIe Gen5x4 slot designed for quick release. This slot shares the PCIe 5.0 channel with the graphics card, a configuration that influences the operational mode of the M.2 slot. When this M.2 slot is active, it switches to running at PCIe 5.0 x8. The motherboard includes four sets of M.2 Gen4x4 slots, which are strategically arranged under heat dissipation armors for efficient cooling and performance optimization. This design choice underscores the motherboard’s commitment to balancing high-speed data transfer and effective thermal management, catering to the demands of high-performance computing and gaming setups.
The motherboard supports four dual-channel DDR5 slots, allowing for up to 192 GB of system memory and compatibility with DDR5-8000+ OC modules. It includes interfaces for 4-pin fans and 3-pin ARGB around the memory slots for enhanced cooling and lighting customization. The motherboard’s power is supplied via an ATX 24-pin connector. On the left side, it features expansion slots for front USB 3.2 Gen2×2 Type C and USB 3.2 Gen1 19-pin, facilitating robust connectivity options for various peripherals and devices.
The motherboard’s rear I/O is seamlessly integrated into its backplane design, offering a variety of display outputs including HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, and an exclusive eDP port. It’s equipped with a diverse USB interface array: 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.2 Gen2, and 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, with two ports specifically labeled “LIGHTING GAMING” for easier connection of gaming peripherals. The front panel I/O boasts a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C interface supporting up to 20 Gbps. Although the Type-C option on the back panel might be less impressive, the overall USB interface design exhibits notable flexibility and adaptability for various user needs.
Motherboard integrated rear I/O, equipped with the latest WiFi 7 and Killer 2.5G wired network interface
Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi is built using an 8-layer PCB circuit board and provides a VRM power supply module with 16+1+1 phases of 90A stable power supply, of which 16 phases are used to power the CPU VCore, the +1 group is used to power the VCCGT, and the +1 group is used to power the VCCAUX, the power supply load shunt design can enhance the stability of the overall motherboard system during high load and overclocking operations.
Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi BIOS UEFI
The ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi motherboard features an EZ Mode in the BIOS, offering a simplified interface for users. This mode displays essential hardware information, allows for easy adjustment of boot priorities, and offers quick XMP switch settings along with RGB lighting controls. For more experienced users, the advanced mode provides detailed options for fine-tuning overclocking parameters, core adjustments, and voltage settings. While EZ Mode is recommended for beginners, especially for utilizing XMP profiles, experienced overclockers can explore more intricate settings in the advanced mode’s overclocking section.
Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi Motherboard Benchmark Test
The ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi was tested using a benchmark focused on the CPU, memory cache, and common benchmark software. The test setup included an Intel Core i9-14900K processor, T-FORCE DELTA DDR5 16GBx2 memory, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti graphics card, and a 360mm AIO cooler. XMP was enabled through the BIOS’s EZ Mode for testing. The components were a Corsair MP600 1TB system drive, a be quiet! STRAIGHT POWER 12 1000W power supply and the system ran on Windows 11 Pro 22H2. CPU performance was checked through CPU-Z, showing the processor’s single and multi-thread benchmark scores.
The ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi’s CPU performance can be evaluated using Cinebench R23, which allows for specific tests of either Single Core or Multi-Core capabilities. The software provides options for running these tests over 10, 30 minutes, or a customized duration, enabling an assessment of sustained processor performance rather than just short-term burst capability. This approach mirrors real-world usage more closely. In such tests, the processor achieved a score of 2281 in single-core operation and 38513 in multi-core operation, demonstrating its robust performance capabilities.
In the AIDA64 memory and cache test, the T-FORCE DELTA DDR5 16GBx2 memory, paired with the Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi motherboard, demonstrated impressive performance. The memory reached a reading speed of 97281 MB/s, a writing speed of 85165 MB/s, and a copying speed of 87571 MB/s. The latency recorded was 71.3 nanoseconds, showcasing the efficiency and speed of the memory in this configuration.
In the system test using PCMark 10, the i9-14900K setup, including the Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi, showed strong performance across various metrics. It achieved an overall score of 9756 points. Specifically, the Essentials basic operating performance scored 12395 points, the Productivity productivity test scored 11839 points, and the Digital Content Creation test, which demands more complex CPU computing, scored 17172 points. These results highlight the system’s well-rounded capabilities in handling basic operations, productivity tasks, and more demanding digital content creation.
CrossMark is a free performance testing tool developed by BAPCo, supporting various platforms including Windows, iOS/iPadOS, macOS, and Android. It is versatile in language support, adapting to the user’s system language. However, in Traditional Chinese Windows systems, it currently displays only a brief interface. The test focuses on everyday practical tasks like document editing, web browsing, and video editing, evaluating the system’s response performance in typical office work scenarios.
Using the RTX 4060 Ti graphics card, the test on 3DMark Fire Strike resulted in the CPU physical effects score reaching 59190 points. In the Time Spy test, which is designed specifically for DirectX 12, the CPU achieved a score of 24283. These scores indicate robust performance, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks and modern gaming scenarios that leverage DirectX 12 capabilities.
Summary
The ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi is designed to support Intel’s 14th generation Core processors, featuring an enhanced processor power supply design. It incorporates the latest Dr.MOS SPS power supply technology and a 16+ 1+1 phase 90A VRM power supply, supporting memory overclocking up to DDR5-8000+ OC. The motherboard offers five M.2 SSD slots with a quick-release structure for easy modification and eight SATA3 expansion slots for extensive storage options. Its built-in eDP port provides extra versatility for display modifications and external monitor connections, making it a solid choice for mid-to-high-end gaming setups.
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Title: ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi Review: Unboxing and In-Depth Analysis of the Latest High-Performance Motherboard with WiFi 7 and 16+1+1 Phase Power
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