Name: ASRock Z890 Taichi Lite Motherboard Review
Rating: 4.5
Author: Bartosz Waluk

Features

PHILOSOPHY OF INFINITE POTENTIAL

Taichi represents the philosophical state of undifferentiated absolute and infinite potential. A motherboard that fulfills every task – with style! Become like water. Shapeless, formless, versatile for any situation.

Optimized VRM Design

20K Capacitor

Exclusive 20K Cap with 1000uF Capacitance

The upgraded 20K Black capacitor not only extends the lifespan to 20,000 hours but also increases the capacitance value from 560uF to 1000uF, bringing several benefits:

●Higher Capacitance: Greater charge storage for better support under high loads.
●Lower Ripple: Reduced power output fluctuations, improving quality.
●More Stable Output Current: Stable power supply, minimizing voltage impacts.
●Better Performance & System Stability: Increased reliability and consistent performance.

VRM Design

20+1+2+1+1 Power Phase Design

Featuring sturdy components and completely smooth power delivery to the CPU. Plus, it offers unmatched overclocking capabilities and enhanced performance with the lowest temperature for advanced gamers as well.

Dr. MOS

Dr.MOS is the integrated power stage solution which is optimized for synchronous buck-set down voltage applications! Compared to traditional discrete MOSFETs, it intelligently delivers higher current for each phase, thus providing improved thermal result and superior performance.

Power Connector

Hi-Density Power Connector

CPU overclocking requires higher current, ASRock Hi-Density Power connectors is able to withstand current higher traditional CPU 8-pin and ATX 24-pin connector, giving a more stable system as well as lowering the risk of fire under heavy overclocking.

8 Layer PCB

The 8 Layer PCB provides stable signal traces and power shapes delivering lower temperature and higher energy efficiency for memory overclocking! Thus, it’s able to support the latest memory modules with most extreme memory performance!

DDR5 XMP & EXPO Support

Derived from the “built for stable and reliable” designing concept, ASRock does not compromise on any details. This motherboards is built with high quality materials, enthusiasts are able to enjoy the boost of DDR5 memory overclocking performance by enabling the pre-tested profiles. Make sure the memory modules are Intel^® XMP/AMD EXPO™ capable and overclocking can be made so affordable, satisfying and absolutely no sweat at all.

High Speed M.2 Solution

PCIe Gen5 Blazing M.2

The Blazing M.2 accommodates the latest PCI Express 5.0 standard to perform twice the bandwidth compared to previous generation, with a breathtaking 128GB/s transfer speed, it is ready to unleash the full potential of future ultrafast SSDs.

DIY Friendly Design

M.2 Heatsink Toolless Design

Besides the M.2 SSD toolless design on the motherboard, ASRock up a notch by introducing this industry first M.2 heatsink quick release mechanism on the motherboard. The user friendly toolless design helps installing M.2 SSD super easy & simple.

M.2 Bottom Heatsink

The M.2 bottom heatsink is able to dissipate heat of the M.2 SSD efficiently through the motherboard PCB, maximize performance while maintaining system stability.

Enlarged M.2 Heatsink

XXL M.2 Heatsink

The extra large aluminum alloy M.2 heatsink effectively improves heat dissipation to keep those high speed M.2 SSDs as cool as possible, it is able to give better stability while maintaining top performance.

Anti-Drop Screw

Tired of dropping screws or screws missing inside chassis?
The enhanced M.2 heatsink with anti-drop screw design that make sure installation process more easily.

Deluxe Accessories

ARGB Splitter Cable

The ARGB Splitter Cable enables easy management of multiple ARGB devices through a single controller. With its splitting capability, it streamlines your lighting setup for a unified and dynamic aesthetic.

Customized Thermal Management

The thermistor cable and thermistor header provide an additional source for temperature monitoring, offering customized thermal management solutions.

Cooling – Intelligent Cooling Design

Aluminum Heatsink

The first thing that catches the eye is the optimized Aluminum Heatsink Design. Heatsinks are crucial for efficient heat dissipation, especially during heavy workloads like gaming or productivity tasks. Motherboard that built with heatsinks can effectively manage thermal performance, hence ensure system stability and durability effortlessly.

PWM/DC Fan Support

ASRock fan headers automatically detect whether fans are running in DC or PWM mode, allowing users to fine-tune the fan curve and achieve quieter operation.

CPU Fan Connector
AIO Pump Fan Connector
Chassis Fan Connectors

Thermistor Header

The thermistor cable and thermistor header provide an additional source for temperature monitoring, offering customized thermal management solutions based on workload. Thermal management settings can be easily configured via Fan-Tastic Tuning or UEFI.

Fan-Tastic Tuning

ASRock Phantom Gaming Tuning Fan-Tastic Tuning function enables users to auto-detect the minimum duty of each fan with a single click. Users can also easily adjust the fan curve via the visualized UI interface, meeting their system’s cooling performance and noise reduction requirements.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 7

Enhanced VR Experience

Wi-Fi 7 offers higher data throughput, lower latency, and Multi-link Operation. These features ensure a smooth and real-time interactive experience, making the VR/AR experience more immersive and connected.

Wi-Fi 7 802.11be

Latest WiFi 7 technology delivers extreme wireless internet speeds and low latency, with higher throughput and Multi-RU as well as puncturing technology. The new WiFi 7(802.11be) technology is able to accelerate cloud-based gaming, 8K video streaming, and video conferencing.

Multi-link Operation(MLO)

Multi-link Operation (MLO) enables the simultaneous use of multiple bands and channels, boosting speed and throughput while reducing latency for a smoother, faster internet experience.

New Wi-Fi Antenna Design

The new Wi-Fi antenna design is ideal for high-bandwidth, low-latency applications and ensures a stable connection.

Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C

Thunderbolt™ 4 technology brings speed and versatility to the most advanced USB Type-C, offering a fast and simple level of connection for work or home. It enables lightning-fast data transfer up to 40Gbps and connects external monitors, Thunderbolt™, and USB devices with a single Thunderbolt 4 cable.

More than USB Transfer Speed

Lightning Gaming Ports

Aimed for die hard gamers and enthusiasts! Lightning Gaming Ports are sourced from two different controller interfaces that assist gamers in connecting the high speed mice/keyboard with the lower jitter and latency!

Ultra USB Power

Provides stable power and better sound experience! Ultra USB Power provides 5V power transformed from +12V power rail, whose voltage drop will be much lower than the +5V from the PSU under heavy loading, and prevents noise from other devices or RGB LED.

Front Panel USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Header

The latest USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C delivers up to 20 Gbps data transfer rate which is 2x as fast as previous generation, providing a blazing fast data transfer interface with reversible USB Type-C design that fits the connector either way.

Nahimic Audio

Audio That Matters

Whether you are using headphones, a headset, external or internal speakers, via USB, Wi-Fi, analog output or even HDMI, Nahimic Audio offers you the most engaging listening experience, vibrant and rich with details.

Enhance Communication Quality

The Powerful algorithms to ensure the best noise-free conversation, giving a constant vocal level no matter the distance from your mic. The Nahimic audio engine dynamically clear the sound and remove interference noise and lower the voice variation. Result is a better comprehension and less fatigue.
●Static Noise Suppression
●Echo Cancellation
●Lateral Sound Cancellation
●Voice Stabilizer

Ultimate Gaming Experience

●Sound Tracker
The Sound Tracker is a visual indicator that points out the directions from which predominant sounds are coming. Each sound is properly positioned in 360° on a radar for a full immersion during the game.

●Works on any devices!
Enjoy the vibrant and high-quality Surround Sound on all your favorite audio devices: Jack, USB, Bluetooth, HDMI, S/PDIF. Nahimic is compatible with all of your favorite audio tools and ensures the best sound with any of them. Nahimic measure and improve to optimize our technology and offer you the best experience.

Stylish Design – POLYCHROME RGB

This motherboard features onboard RGB headers and addressable RGB headers that allow motherboard to be connected to compatible LED devices such as strip, CPU fans, coolers, chassis and so on. Users may also synchronize RGB LED devices across the Polychrome RGB Sync-certified accessories to create their own unique lighting effects.

Reinforced Steel Slot [PCIe 5.0 Version]

The reinforced steel slot is capable of supporting PCI Express 5.0 standard. The various benefits include:
✔ Extra anchor points
✔ Stronger latch
✔ Ensure signal stability
✔ Make sure heavy graphics cards to be well-installed.

EZ Setting

Auto Driver Installer

No need to worry about lack of disk drive! Asrock preinstall LAN driver to ensure that you are able to install all drivers needed in an easier way than using SCD.

step1 : Install Auto Driver Installer

step2 : Update drivers needed

step3 : Done!

BIOS Flashback

Get the most convenient BIOS flashing with just a simple click. Users can easily achieve the latest BIOS support with a USB and power supply, No CPU, RAM or other components required.

Flexible Integrated I/O Shield

Unlike most so called pre-mounted I/O shield that is only decorated with fancy color schemes. We reserve more tolerance space and allow IO shield is adjustable when installing, thus fitting chassis perfectly without any mechanical issue.

ASRock Z890 Taichi Lite Motherboard Review