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ASRock Z890 Taichi Motherboard Review

 

Overview

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.

Taichi series flagship motherboard features top-tier hardware spec, robust power design, Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C, and DIY-friendly functionality. It’s built for high-end gamers, offering luxury aesthetics and powerful performance..

 

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.

24+1+2+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.

SPS (Smart Power Stage)

Dr.MOS design features the latest SPS (Smart Power Stage) technology. It’s optimized for monitoring current and temperature of each phase, thus delivering smoother and neater power to the CPU with enhanced performance and OC capability.

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.

Server Grade Low Loss PCB

The server grade low loss PCB improves signal integrity, allowing motherboard to support PCIe 5.0 for both graphics card and M.2 SSD, it also improves memory OC potential to deliver the most extreme memory performance.

2oz Copper PCB

2 ounce copper inner layers that provide stable signal traces and power shapes! Delivering lower temperature and higher energy efficiency for overclocking.

8 Layer PCB

The 8 Layer PCB provides stable signal traces and power shapes delivering lower temperature and higher energy efficiency, ensures a reliable and long-lasting system while delivering ultimate performance without any compromise.

 

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.

High Speed M.2 Solution – Deluxe 6 x M.2  Socket

Supports up to 6*NVMe M.2 SSDs and one of which is able to 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. to give a lightning fast data transferring experience.

Graphics Card EZ Release

ASRock redesigned the PCIe slot installation method to cater to user needs, allowing for hassle-free installation and removal of the graphics card effortlessly.

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

The extra-large aluminum alloy M.2 heatsink with toolless design is a user friendly quick release mechanism that helps installing M.2 SSD super easy & simple.

Composite VRM Heatsink

It is equipped with a composite VRM heatsink combining a cooling fan, bigger aluminum sink and heat pipe for maximum heat dissipation.

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.

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.

Optimized 5 Gb/s LAN

ASRock’s 5Gb/s LAN Connector features an exclusive, patent-pending design, boasting superior electromagnetic interference resistance, ensuring high-speed stable performance and providing users with a better networking experience.

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.

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!

Nahimic Audio

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.

ESS SABRE9219 DAC 

Embrace the audio stunning performance with ES9219 SABRE DAC!

√ True Hi-Fi Audio. No distorted digital signal
√ 130dB SNR
√ 114dB THD+N and supports higher impedance up to 600 Ω headphone

WIMA Audio Cap

Optimized for high end audio applications! Deliver crystal and balanced sound to satisfy even the pickiest audiophile.

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.

 

 

Features

  • Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) (LGA1851)
  • 20+1+2+1+1 Power Phase, 110A SPS for VCore
  • 4 x DDR5 DIMMs
    Supports Dual Channel
  • 1 PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 PCIe 4.0 x16
  • Graphics Output Options: 1 HDMI, 2 Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C
  • Realtek ALC4082 5.1 CH HD Audio Codec,
    ESS SABRE9219 DAC, WIMA Audio Cap, Nahimic Audio
  • 4 SATA3
    1 Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5 x4)
    4 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4 x4)
    1 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4 x4 & SATA3)
  • 2 Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C (Rear)
    1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front)
    4 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear)
    8 USB 3.2 Gen1 (4 Rear, 4 Front)
    6 USB 2.0 (2 Rear, 4 Front)
  • 5Gbps LAN, 2.5G LAN
  • 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth
  • Supports Memory OC Shield, BIOS Flashback, 20K Caps with 1000uF Capacitance, M.2 Expansion Card

 

Specifications

  • Unique Feature
    Superb Productivity
    – PCIe Gen5 (Graphics, M.2)
    – Dual Channel DDR5
    – Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C Ports (40 Gb/s)
    Rock-Solid Durability
    – Server-Grade Low-Loss PCB
    – 20+1+2+1+1 Power Phase, 110A SPS for VCore with Enlarged Heatsink Armor
    – Memory OC Shield
    – Flexible Integrated I/O Shield
    – 20K Long-lasting Black Caps (high quality and conductive polymer capacitors)
    Ultrafast Connectivity
    – 5G LAN, 2.5G LAN, 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 Module
    – ASRock Lightning Gaming Ports
    EZ Update
    – BIOS Flashback Button
    – ASRock Auto Driver Installer
  • CPU
    – Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) (LGA1851RL-ILM)
    – Supports Intel® Hybrid Technology
    – Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Max 3.0 Technology
    – Supports Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB)
    – Supports Intel® Adaptive Boost Technology (ABT)
    – Integrated NPU for dedicated AI acceleration
    – Supports ASRock Hyper BCLK Engine
  • Chipset
    – Intel® Z890
  • Memory
    – Dual Channel DDR5 Memory Technology
    – 4 x DDR5 DIMM Slots
    – Supports DDR5 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
    – Max. capacity of system memory: 256GB
    – Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) 3.0x
  • BIOS
    – 256Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
  • Graphics
    – Intel® Xe LPG Graphics Architecture
    – 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS/FRL 8G Compatible, supports HDR, HDCP 2.3 and max. resolution up to 4K 120Hz
    – 2 x Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4, support HDCP 2.3 and max. resolution up to 8K 60Hz / 5K 120Hz*

    * Intel® UHD Graphics Built-in Visuals and the VGA outputs can be supported only with processors which are GPU integrated.
    Supports two 4K displays or one 8K display
    Only the CPU’s embedded graphics can be displayed through Thunderbolt™ ports.
    If you want to display to a Thunderbolt™ monitor, please use CPU models with embedded graphics.
  • Audio
    – 5.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC4082 Audio Codec)
    – WIMA Audio Capacitors (For Rear Outputs)
    – ESS SABRE9219 DAC for Rear Panel Audio (130dB SNR)
    – Individual PCB Layers for R/L Audio Channel
    – Direct Drive Technology on Front headphone port (Supports up to 600 Ohm headsets)
    – Nahimic Audio
  • LAN
    1 x 5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500/5000 Mb/s (Realtek RTL8126)
    1 x 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s (Dragon RTL8125BG)
    – Supports Dragon 2.5G LAN Software
    – Smart Auto Adjust Bandwidth Control
    – Visual User Friendly UI
    – Visual Network Usage Statistics
    – Optimized Default Setting for Game, Browser, and Streaming Modes
    – User Customized Priority Control
  • Wireless LAN
    – 802.11be 2×2 Wi-Fi 7 Module
    – Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/axe/be
    – Supports 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz* frequency band
    – Supports 320MHz channel bandwidth with 6GHz* frequency band
    – 1 antenna to support 2 (Transmit) x 2 (Receive) diversity technology
    – Supports Bluetooth 5.4
    – Supports MU-MIMO

    * Wi-Fi 7 (6GHz band) will be supported by Microsoft Windows® 11. The availability will depend on the different regulation status of each country and region. It will be activated (for supported countries) through Windows® Update and software updates once available.
  • Slots
    CPU:
    – 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1), supports x16 mode*
    Chipset:
    – 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2), supports x4 mode*
    – 1 x M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT PCIe WiFi module

    * PCIE1 supports PCIe riser cards to extend one x16 slot to x8/x8 or x8/x4/x4 slots.
    If PCIE2 is occupied, M2_4 will be disabled.
    Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
  • Storage
    CPU:
    – 1 x Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode*
    – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
    Chipset:
    – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_3, Key M), supports type 2230/2242/2260/2280 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s & PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) modes*
    – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_4, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
    – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_5, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
    – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_6, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
    – 4 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors

    * Supports Intel® Volume Management Device (VMD)
    Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
    If PCIE2 is occupied, M2_4 will be disabled.
  • RAID
    – Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA storage devices
    – Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for M.2 NVMe storage devices
  • USB
    CPU:
    – 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C (Rear)
    Chipset:
    – 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front)
    – 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear)
    – 8 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (4 Rear, 4 Front)
    – 6 x USB 2.0 (2 Rear, 4 Front)

    * All USB ports support ESD Protection
  • Connector
    – 3 x Thermistor Cable Headers
    – 1 x SPI TPM Header
    – 1 x Power LED and Speaker Header
    – 1 x RGB LED Header*
    – 3 x Addressable LED Headers**
    – 2 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)***
    – 4 x Chassis Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)***
    – 1 x AIO Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)***
    – 1 x Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)***
    – 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector)
    – 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors (Hi-Density Power Connector)
    – 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector (15μ Gold Audio Connector)
    – 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
    – 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Headers (Support 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports)
    – 1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (20 Gb/s)
    – 1 x Dr. Debug with LED
    – 1 x Power Button with LED
    – 1 x Reset Button with LED

    * Supports in total up to 12V/3A, 36W LED Strip
    ** Support in total up to 5V/3A, 15W LED Strip
    *** CPU_FAN1 supports the fan power up to 1A (12W).
    CPU_FAN2, CHA_FAN1~4, AIO_PUMP and W_PUMP support the fan power up to 3A (36W).
    CPU_FAN2, CHA_FAN1~4, AIO_PUMP and W_PUMP can auto detect if 3-pin or 4-pin fan is in use.
  • Rear Panel I/O
    – 2 x Antenna Ports
    – 1 x HDMI Port
    – 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
    – 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C Ports (40 Gb/s for USB4 protocol; 40Gb/s for Thunderbolt™ protocol)*
    – 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Ports (10 Gb/s)**
    – 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports**
    – 2 x USB 2.0 Ports
    – 2 x RJ-45 LAN Ports
    – 1 x Clear CMOS Button
    – 1 x BIOS Flashback Button
    – 1 x Line Out Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
    – 1 x Microphone Input Jack (Gold Audio Jack)

    * Supports USB PD 3.0 up to 5V@3A (15W) charging
    ** USB32_56 are Lightning Gaming Ports. USB32_34 support Ultra USB Power.
  • Software and UEFI
    Software
    – ASRock Motherboard Utility (A-Tuning)
    – ASRock Polychrome SYNC
    – ASRock Dragon 2.5G LAN Software*
    UEFI
    – ASRock EZ Mode
    – ASRock Full HD UEFI
    – ASRock My Favorites in UEFI
    – ASRock Auto Driver Installer
    – ASRock Instant Flash

    *These utilities can be downloaded from ASRock Live Update & APP Shop.
  • Accessories
    – 4 x SATA Data Cables
    – 1 x M.2 Expansion Card
    – 1 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antenna
    – 1 x ARGB Splitter Cable
    – 3 x Thermistor Cables
    – 1 x Screw for M.2 Socket
    – 1 x Standoff for M.2 Socket
  • Form Factor
    – ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm
    – 8 Layer PCB
    – 2oz Copper PCB

 

More information on ASRock’s website.

 

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