ASRock Z790 Pro RS/D4 Motherboard Review Is It Worth the Upgrade

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The ASRock Z790 PRO RS/D4 motherboard immediately stands out with its sleek black finish and durable construction. It feels robust yet lightweight, weighing just 2.6 pounds, and fits seamlessly into most ATX cases. I found the layout to be well-thought-out, with easy-to-access ports, a significant plus when you’re building or upgrading your system. The 14+1+1 Phase Power Design is a clear highlight, ensuring the board can handle power-hungry components without breaking a sweat. The inclusion of heat sinks over critical areas like the VRM adds to its thermal efficiency, something I deeply appreciated during longer testing sessions.

Performance That Packs a Punch

Testing this motherboard with an Intel 13th Gen Core i7 processor, I was blown away by its smooth performance. The 5333MHz DDR4 support truly shines if you’re into overclocking, allowing for speedy multitasking and heavy workloads. It features PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x16, and PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, which cater to high-performance GPUs and other add-ons. While gaming, I experienced ultra-fast frame rates, and even during rendering tasks, this motherboard handled everything effortlessly. The 2.5G LAN ensures quick and reliable internet connectivity, a boon for gamers and streamers like myself.

Highlights

• Supports Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen processors, future-proofing your build.
• Includes 4 Hyper M.2 slots for ultra-fast SSDs, perfect for reducing load times.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C on the front panel simplifies connecting modern peripherals.
• Equipped with Nahimic 7.1 channel HD audio for immersive sound.

Downsides

The Realtek ALC897 audio codec, while decent, feels a bit outdated compared to newer sound solutions on other motherboards. Additionally, the lack of built-in Wi-Fi might be a dealbreaker for those who prefer wireless setups. The BIOS interface could also use a refresh; it felt a bit clunky and outdated during initial configuration.

Areas of Concern

• No built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, though M.2 Key-E allows for optional upgrades.
• BIOS UI could be more user-friendly for beginners.
• Realtek 897 codec doesn’t match the quality of more premium audio solutions.

Target Audience

This motherboard is an excellent choice for gamers, content creators, and tech enthusiasts who need a powerful and flexible system. If you’re planning an Intel build with high-end components, the Z790 PRO RS/D4 provides the perfect foundation. It’s also appealing for those who want to explore overclocking or need multiple M.2 SSD slots for their setup.

Peer Products

Comparing this to MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4, I found the ASRock Z790 PRO RS/D4 to offer better overclocking support and an edge with its PCIe 5.0 slot, which future-proofs it for next-gen GPUs. On the other hand, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus includes Wi-Fi 6 and a more refined audio codec, giving it a slight advantage for those seeking wireless connectivity and superior audio quality. That said, the ASRock motherboard is a more cost-conscious option with similar core performance features.

Bang for the Buck

Evaluating its feature set, this product delivers excellent value for those building a powerful system without going overboard on costs. The range of connectivity options, combined with its reliable power design, makes it a smart choice for tech-savvy users. While it lacks a few premium additions like Wi-Fi 6 or advanced audio, the price-to-performance ratio still tilts heavily in its favor. If you’re on the hunt for affordable quality, this motherboard delivers plenty to admire.

Additional information