ASRock Z790 Pro RS/D4 Motherboard Review: A Solid Choice for Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen CPUs

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The ASRock Z790 Pro RS/D4 is a feature-packed ATX motherboard designed to handle the latest Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors. This motherboard boasts PCIe Gen5 support, 4x M.2 slots, and a robust power delivery system, making it a compelling choice for gamers and enthusiasts. In this review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall value to see if it lives up to the hype.

Key Features

The ASRock Z790 Pro RS/D4 comes packed with features that cater to both power users and casual builders. Here are some of its standout highlights:

• PCIe Gen5 Support: The motherboard features a PCIe Gen5 x16 slot, allowing you to unlock the full potential of next-generation graphics cards.
• 4x M.2 Slots: With four M.2 slots, you have ample space for fast storage configurations, supporting NVMe SSDs with speeds up to 64 Gb/s.
• Robust Power Delivery: The motherboard utilizes a 14+1+1 Power Phase design with 50A Dr.MOS for stable and reliable performance, even when overclocking your CPU.
• 2.5G LAN: The integrated 2.5G LAN provides significantly faster internet speeds compared to traditional Gigabit Ethernet connections.
• Extensive I/O: The motherboard offers a plethora of I/O ports, including USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen1 and USB 2.0 ports.
• Nahimic Audio: The integrated Realtek ALC897 audio codec with Nahimic audio technology delivers high-fidelity sound and immersive audio experiences.

Performance

During testing, the ASRock Z790 Pro RS/D4 consistently delivered impressive performance. The PCIe Gen5 slot allowed us to achieve blazing-fast frame rates with our latest graphics card. The motherboard also handled demanding workloads and multi-tasking with ease thanks to its robust power delivery system. We found the 2.5G LAN to be noticeably faster than traditional Gigabit Ethernet connections, especially for large file transfers and online gaming. The Nahimic audio technology provided clear and immersive sound, enriching our gaming and multimedia experiences.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the ASRock Z790 Pro RS/D4:

Pros:

• PCIe Gen5 support for future-proof performance.
• Four M.2 slots for flexible storage configurations.
• Robust power delivery for stability and overclocking potential.
• Fast 2.5G LAN for enhanced network speeds.
• Extensive I/O for connectivity options.
• High-quality audio with Nahimic technology.

Cons:

• Limited RGB lighting options compared to some competitors.
• The lack of a built-in Wi-Fi module requires a separate purchase.

Final Verdict

The ASRock Z790 Pro RS/D4 is a well-rounded motherboard that delivers excellent performance, features, and value. Its PCIe Gen5 support, robust power delivery, and 4x M.2 slots make it an excellent choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking for a solid foundation for their next build. While the lack of a built-in Wi-Fi module and limited RGB lighting options might be a downside for some, these shortcomings are overshadowed by its strong performance and features. If you’re looking for a reliable and capable Z790 motherboard, the ASRock Z790 Pro RS/D4 is definitely worth considering.

Specifications