ASRock recently announced the launch of its new Z790I Lightning WiFi and B760I Lightning WiFi Mini-ITX motherboards, designed for extreme overclocking.
Both boards feature robust 14+1+1 phase power delivery and optimized memory layouts to support speeds up to DDR5-8600+. The Z790I Lightning WiFi, in particular, has already broken multiple overclocking world records, demonstrating the incredible potential these boards have to unlock the full performance of Intel’s 14th-gen CPUs.
In more detail, let’s examine the specs and features of ASRock’s new Phantom Gaming Z790I Lightning WiFi motherboard.
Premium Hardware for Overclocking Excellence
At the core of the Z790I Lightning WiFi is a decisive 14+1+1 phase VRM with 110A Smart Power Stages (SPS), outperforming even many larger ATX boards. This VRM configuration can easily handle Core i9-14900K or KS CPUs at their stock or overclocked limits.
ASRock has equipped the board with a robust cooling solution to match this potent VRM. An enlarged aluminum heatsink spreads heat away, aided by a strategically placed cooling fan and heat pipe connection. This composite heatsink design delivers formidable cooling for stable, high-intensity overclocking.
The board’s PCB uses a high-quality 8-layer design with 2oz copper inner layers for stable signal transmission even at extreme speeds. Packing this much circuitry into a mini-ITX board was no small feat, yet ASRock pulled it off without compromising quality.
Memory Performance at its Limit
The Z790I Lightning WiFi’s crowning achievement is its unparalleled support for DDR5 memory overclocking. It breaks new ground by verifying compatibility with DDR5-8600+ modules straight out of the box.
This market-leading memory performance stems from ASRock’s years of fine-tuning the most minor board details. Their optimized dual-channel memory layout and migration from traditional SIP to surface-mount slots allow clean, lossless signal transfer even at such staggering frequencies.
Image Source: ASRock
The board’s BIOS is also memory-minded and has been proven to push most DIMMs past their rated XMP profiles safely. Overclockers have reported achieving DDR5-8800 or higher with ease using this board. It’s a desktop overclocker’s holy grail for enthusiasts striving to maximize bandwidth.
Extensive Connectivity
Despite its mini-ITX form factor, ASRock packed the Z790I Lightning WiFi full of leading-edge connectivity. A single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot opens the door for future multi-GPU madness or lightning-fast Gen 5 SSDs.
Storage is no bottleneck, with two Hyper M.2 slots supporting the latest PCIe Gen 4 drives. Thanks to three onboard SATA ports, SATA enthusiasts are included.
The rear I/O supplies two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (Type-A and Type-C) alongside another Type-C port on the front panel. Built-in 2.5GbE networking and 802.11ax WiFi 6E keep multi-tasking and file transfers zipping along.
A Realtek ALC897 codec handles hi-fi audio duties. While aging, it drives headphones and speakers competently, thanks to on-chip amplification. Nahimic audio tuning software allows expert tweaking for better gaming communication, too.
Driven to Succeed with Phantom Gaming Aesthetics
The Z790I Lightning WiFi visually sports an understated matte black stealth theme across aluminum heatsinks and glossy rear I/O shields. Its dark colorway instills a serious air befitting an overclocker’s weapon of choice.
Subtle RGB LED accent lighting glows from addressable headers and the edge of the PCIe slot. But ASRock avoided garish looks, choosing a refined subtlety befitting its performance character.
Image Source: ASRock
Thanks to ASRock’s handy auto-driver tool, Windows and chipset drivers install automatically from USB. The BIOS is equally intuitive, with fan controls, monitoring tools, simple memory, and core overclocking menus.
Groundbreaking World Records Achieved
Master overclocker Splave utilized the Z790I Lightning WiFi’s immense potential, achieving four overclocking world records using an Intel Core i9-14900KS. These include new peaks in Geekbench 3, 4, 5, and 6 for single and multi-core scores.
He also earned eight global first-place finishes across other benchmarks, such as Cinebench 2003 and multiple GPUPI tests. This is a testament to what’s possible when supreme cooling, power, and memory support are coupled with an enthusiast’s expertise.
These accomplishments proved the Z790I Lightning WiFi the most formidable Mini-ITX overclocking board. It empowers users to match and surpass ATX and extended ATX desktops, rewriting the rulebook for small form factor performance.
An Affordable Option – The B760I Lightning WiFi
While the Z790I Lightning WiFi is the best option, ASRock understands some prefer a cheaper option. That’s where the near-identical B760I Lightning WiFi comes in, losing only CPU overclocking support through its B760 chipset.
In all other ways, it mirrors the Z790 model, including VRM, cooling, memory performance, and connectivity. Review sites took notice, and Tom’s Hardware bestowed it the coveted “Best Motherboard” award at CES 2024.
Given its competitive $200 MSRP, it presents a remarkably affordable route into the mini-ITX overclocking arena. Factor in lower 13th-gen CPU prices, and builders get tremendous performance for far less investment.
Conclusion: The Overclocking Board for Enthusiasts
The ASRock Z790I Lightning WiFi takes Mini-ITX motherboard performance to new heights. Its powerful VRM, cooling, and memory support unleash the untapped potential of Intel’s 14th-generation CPUs.
World records have already been set, proving its overclocking prowess. It’s impressive that this level of performance is offered at a competitive price point. The similar B760I model provides many of the same outstanding features for much less.
Whether you’re into severe overclocking or seeking more performance in a compact size, ASRock’s Lightning WiFi boards offer unmatched power in limited space. They’re excellent choices for desktop builders seeking extreme overclocking capabilities.
