ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890I NOVA WiFi Motherboard Review

We usually focus on ATX format motherboards, but many users love small form factor computers and ITX motherboards. For those users, we have the ASRock Z890I NOVA motherboard, which promises excellent performance and high-end features in a tiny space. The Z890I NOVA supports all the latest technologies, including the Intel Core Ultra processors and the fastest DDR5 CUDIMM memory, but it’s not everything. You have to read our review to find out what else it offers. Let’s begin with a long list of specifications and features, and I will describe the most important ones.

Nova is the most significant energy discharge ever witnessed by mankind, it’s super-powerful which represents the performance our motherboard can deliver.

Specifications and Features of the ASRock Z890I NOVA

The Z890I Nova is the only ASRock ITX motherboard for the new Intel processor series and one of only a few motherboards in this size available on the market. A minimal choice doesn’t mean nothing is interesting as ASRock made sure that this one motherboard covers all gamers’ needs. The long list of key features suggests what we can expect.

Key Features

Intel Z890 Chipset Specifications

The Z890 is the flagship Intel chipset for the new desktop processors so that we can expect the best device support and features. Below, you can see the simplified chipset diagram with marked new features. We have more PCIe lanes and M.2 SSD PCIe lanes in general, an integrated sensor hub, higher DDR5 support – up to 6400MT/s and CUDIMM support (overclocking frequencies are much higher), better support for AI technologies and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which were available on earlier motherboards, but as an additional option.

ASRock Z890I NOVA Specifications

Even though the Z890I NOVA is in ITX format, the specifications should satisfy most users, even those who are more demanding. The motherboard provides a robust power section with a 12+1+1 VRM design and the best components on desktop motherboards. It also gives us three fast M.2 sockets and the latest Realtek ALC4082 audio codec. Barely any ITX motherboard has three M.2 sockets, and most new motherboards use older ALC1220 series audio codecs, so even these two features give an advantage to the little ASRock motherboard. The list of advantages is longer.

The motherboard supports all desktop Core Ultra processors and DDR5 RAM up to 9866MT/s+. Anything above 8600MT/s will use the clock driver, so in other words, it will be CUDIMM. We could run quick tests at 9866MT/s, but our test components showed instability. On the other hand, 9733MT/s was fully stable, and the motherboard with the tested official BIOS has a RAM OC profile at 9733MT/s, which works perfectly stable. The motherboard acts like it could handle over 10000MT/s, but finding a strong enough processor won’t be easy.

The power design is strong enough to handle every desktop CPU at much higher voltages than standard. However, this is an extreme overclocking scenario that only a few users will consider. On the other hand, we couldn’t hear any coil whine or other noises under high load from the motherboard itself. All voltages were perfectly stable, and the CPU was overclocking as high as on ASRock ATX motherboards.

The Z890I NOVA offers three M.2 sockets. One, called Blazing, works up to PCIe 5.0 x4 mode (connected to the CPU), and two (on the back of the PCB) work up to PCIe 4.0 x4. M.2 sockets don’t share the bandwidth with the first PCIe x16 slot and are no other limitations. RAID modes are also supported, but RAID 10 works only with a PCIe NVMe card, so it can’t be used with a discrete graphics card unless we use riser/splitter cards. Bifurcation is available as a BIOS setting.

The new Intel series doesn’t have native USB4 controllers compared to new AMD motherboards. However, all Z890 motherboards have Thunderbolt 4, which supports USB4 devices. Thunderbolt 4 is a better option for some users, as it provides more functionality. Most users won’t see a difference.

Like all high-end motherboards, the NOVA has a BIOS flashback button on the back I/O. I only miss the clear CMOS button, which is handy while overclocking.

ASRock Z890I NOVA Features

Optimized VRM Design	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. 12+1+1+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. 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.
Premium PCB Solution	2-ounce copper inner layers that provide stable signal traces and power shapes! Delivering lower temperature and higher energy efficiency for overclocking. The 10 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.
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. * There are certain risks involved with memory overclocking and may affect your system’s stability. Please realize that overclocking should be done at your own risk and expense. EXPO/XMP profile support may vary by different system configuration, memory modules and motherboard models. Please refer to Memory QVL for the completed support list. ASRock’s exclusive Memory OC Shield is a patented feature engineered to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) that could affect memory overclocking. By shielding memory modules from EMI noise and optimizing the layout, the Memory OC Shield enhances stability and reliability during high-frequency operations, enabling users to push their systems to the maximum potential.
High Speed M.2 Solution	PCIe Gen5 Blazing M.2 The Blazing M.2 accommodates the latest PCI Express 5.0 standard, performing twice the bandwidth compared to the previous generation. With a breathtaking 128Gb/s transfer speed, it is ready to unleash the full potential of future ultrafast SSDs.
Enlarged 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 can provide better stability while maintaining top performance. Tired of dropping screws or screws missing inside the chassis? The enhanced M.2 heatsink with an anti-drop screw design makes the sure installation process more easily.
Intelligent Cooling Design	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. ① CPU Fan Connector ② AIO Pump Fan Connector ③ 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 A-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.
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	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. 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) enables the simultaneous use of multiple bands and channels, boosting speed and throughput while reducing latency for a smoother, faster internet experience. 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. Please refer to Intel® “What is Thunderbolt 4” page for more detail.
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.
High Definition Sound Effects	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. 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.
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. *The addressable RGB LED header supports WS2812B addressable RGB LED strip (5V/Data/GND), with a maximum power rating of 3A (5V), a max of 80 LEDs and length within 2 meters. *The RGB LED header supports standard 5050 RGB LED strip (12V/G/R/B), with a maximum power rating of 3A (12V) and length within 2 meters.
Deluxe Accessories	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. The thermistor cable and thermistor header provide an additional source for temperature monitoring, offering customized thermal management solutions.
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 Installerstep2 : Update drivers neededstep3 : 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.

The list of Key Features is also available on ASRock’s website.

The NOVA ITX doesn’t have all the easy installation features. Easy graphics card removal would be amazing, but the PCB is not large enough for the mechanism used on ATX motherboards. Also, easy-to-remove M.2 heatsinks are significantly larger, where the ITX form factor doesn’t give us enough space. Most users won’t find it a disadvantage, but it would be an excellent addition to already pretty good design.

Retail Packaging and Accessories

The motherboard arrived in a retail package. The box is relatively small, but that’s expected, as the motherboard is also tiny. The package design and contents are the same as those in stores.

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Inside the box is everything we need for the installation, including a WiFi antenna, SATA data cables, thermal sensor cable, M.2 screws, keyboard key cap, ASRock logo badge/sticker, RGB extension/splitter cable, and a quick user’s guide (an extended version of the manual is available on the website). M.2 screws could be replaced by something easy to install as they’re tiny and easy to drop. The M.2 heatsink on the top has anti-drop screws, but we won’t find it on the back of the PCB.

A Closer Look at the ASRock Z890I NOVA

The Z890I NOVA shares the design with ATX models, and I like it more than the last-generation ASRock ITX motherboards. Everything looks clean, and even though the motherboard is well-equipped, it feels like there was no challenge in installing everything in such a small space.

ASRock used large heatsinks without interfering with possible cooling options or other devices. Installing a large AIO cooler with an LCD shouldn’t be a problem. Everything is easy to access, but installing the motherboard in a small ITX case can be tight.
There is also a new feature called “MEMORY OC SHIELD.” It can be seen between a CPU socket and RAM slots, which promises better RAM overclocking and stability. Considering the very high RAM support, it seems like it works well.

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The motherboard fits every ITX-size PC case. However, if we use higher-wattage processors, we must pick a case with enough space for a proper cooler. Core Ultra 7 and 9 processors are rated at up to 250W TDP, so they require larger tower coolers or AIO coolers with at least 240mm radiators for optimal work.

The motherboard has three fan headers, which can be controlled in the BIOS or ASRock software. The CPU and chassis fan headers are rated 2A/24W, while the AIO cooler header can handle 3A/36W. It’s enough for a quite large cooling setup with multiple fans connected via splitters.

The NOVA uses large heatsinks and high-performance thermal pads. Even then, ASRock decided to use a fan under the largest VRM heatsink to lower the temperatures. The fan is very quiet, so I didn’t even notice it was there at first, but I found it after removing the heatsinks.

The motherboard also has an aluminum backplate with thick thermal pads on the back of the VRM area. Although unnecessary, the backplate affects the temperatures under load and may improve overclocking results during extended high load.

The PCIe 5.0 M.2 heatsink has a thermal pad, while two M.2 sockets on the back are left without additional cooling. The backside M.2 sockets are designed for PCIe 4.0 SSDs, and even though they support all the PCIe SSDs, the optimal would be to use the DRAM-less series as they keep much lower temperatures.

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The Z890 chipset has a single-die design and doesn’t generate much heat, so a small heatsink can efficiently cool it. The NOVA’s chipset heatsink is connected to the M.2 heatsink, and nothing is overheating with the installed PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSD, which confirms it doesn’t require any exceptional cooling for complete stability.

Below are additional close-ups of the ICs on the motherboard. There are no surprises, except for the audio area and the 5Gbps Realtek LAN used. Nearly everything is much stronger than that specified by Intel for the new generation of motherboards. In particular, connectivity options are better as we get 5GbE NIC and WiFi 7 instead of 1/2.5GbE NIC and WiFi 6/6E, which is standard for the Z890.

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UEFI BIOS and Software

BIOS/UEFI

The new motherboard series BIOS/UEFI is similar to the last generation, and it’s still user-friendly. The Z890 BIOS is kept in colors to match the motherboard design. The motherboard arrived with the latest BIOS version on the day of shipping, but before we started tests, there were already newer releases, including the 2.14 OC01 BIOS, which we used for the review.
The BIOS has two modes: an easy mode for all those who are fine with basic settings and an advanced mode for those who like to adjust everything or need specific settings for their work.

Easy Mode

Advanced Mode

Advanced Mode – OC Tweaker

Advanced Mode – Advanced

Advanced Mode – Tool

Advanced Mode – H/W Monitor

Advanced Mode – Security

Advanced Mode – Boot

Advanced Mode – Exit

ASRock Software

ASRock adds its software, which includes RGB adjustment, fan control, overclocking and diagnostic options, and software/firmware updates. We wish to see it as one application, but sadly, it’s only available for three separate applications.

The RGB worked with the most popular RAM brands, like G.Skill and Kingston. Less popular, like KLEVV or V-Color, also worked fine.

Fan control works without issues and can be easily managed by the software.
Most overclocking options, like the CPU ratio, won’t require a PC’s restart, which is rare in other motherboard brands.

Test Setup and Performance of the ASRock Z890I NOVA

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CPU and Memory Performance

Synthetic memory tests show high performance compared to other Z890 motherboards. The only weak point of the new Intel series is memory latency, which is about 15ns worse than we wish.
For comparison purposes, all the results were made on the 6400MT/s memory kit, so we can count on much better bandwidth if we use high-frequency CUDIMM. The motherboard supports all available CUDIMM memory kits, up to 9600MT/s. RAM scales well on the new Intel generation up to at least 8800-9000MT/s, which is the limit for Gear 2 on most popular motherboards. On ASRock motherboards like Z890I NOVA or Z890 OCF, we could reach even 9200MT/s Gear 2.

AIDA64 CPU tests show that the Z890I NOVA performs slightly worse than the Z890 OCF and marginally better than the AORUS Z890 Master. The difference isn’t significant, but it confirms the motherboard works well and the CPU boosts up to expected frequencies.

AIDA64 FPU tests suggest that all Z890 motherboards perform similarly. The Taichi again looks slightly better, but it’s not significant.

The results of additional tests show differences at the edge of the error margin. At the same time, the performance is as high as expected.

In the PCMark 10 Applications benchmark, the Z890I NOVA performs great and is, again, very close to other Z890 motherboard results and even slightly better.

Gaming Performance

Gaming benchmarks show about the same results on all Z890 motherboards. Differences are close to the margin of error, so the user’s experience will be similar in all cases. The tests show that the Z890I NOVA motherboard performs well; the main difference in our comparison is the used processor.

Used processors greatly affect popular games. The Core Ultra series isn’t the fastest option, but the results are still pretty good. Once again, all the Z890 motherboards have similar results.

Storage Performance

M.2 SSD

The M.2 performance has been tested using the Crucial T705 2TB NVMe PCIe 5.0 x4 SSD. The maximum bandwidth is around 12.5GB/s, which is typical for Intel chipsets. On the other hand, low queue random operations are up to 20% faster than we can see on motherboards with AMD chipsets. Overall, the M.2 performance is as high as expected.

USB

Since the Z890 chipset doesn’t have a native USB4 controller, we use Thunderbolt 4 with USB4 tunneling to perform USB tests. Our USB SSD performs well, and longer tasks have no problems.

Network Performance

LAN

The Z890I NOVA uses Realtek 5Gbps LAN, which performs as expected. Since reaching or passing the maximum throughput is impossible, around 4800Mbps looks like an excellent result. We also had no problems with the connection stability during longer work.

WiFi

WiFi results depend heavily on the environment, and the test room is far from perfect: it has thick walls and multiple networks, which limit the bandwidth.

The direct internet bandwidth is over 900Mbps on average, using a 1Gbps connection, which is pretty good and similar to that of ASRock X870E motherboards reviewed in the previous weeks.

Power Consumption

Above, you can see our results for the whole test rig. It’s a typical high-end PC. The NOVA uses slightly less power than ATX models with the same chipset.

Overclocking with the ASRock Z890I NOVA

Intel Core Ultra processors don’t overclock as high as the last Intel generation, and we can count on about 5.6GHz P-cores and 5.0GHz E-cores for an average CPU. Above-average CPUs will give us about 100MHz more. We had no problems reaching 5.6GHz P-cores and 5.0GHz E-cores on the used processor, and the performance is proportionally better than at stock settings. The NOVA has no issues with overclocking or stability, and we couldn’t hear the so-called coil whine before or after overclocking.

RAM overclocking seems more exciting. As mentioned earlier, the NOVA has one RAM overclocking profile, 9733MT/s, which works well with our Kingston 8800MT/s memory kit.

We couldn’t reach 10000MT/s, and the limit was 9866MT/s, which wasn’t stable. The overclocking limit is probably caused by the processor and RAM rather than the motherboard. We could still tighten some timings at 9733MT/s. However, I highly recommend going down to around 9000MT/s and setting Gear 2 mode at tight timings. It performs the best on the new Intel generation, and the difference is visible in popular games and other applications.

Even though the Z890I NOVA is a tiny ITX motherboard, it overclocks like a high ATX series on ambient temperatures. ASRock proves once again that it can make great ITX motherboards.

ASRock Z890I NOVA – Test Rig

ASRock Z890I NOVA – Test Rig

ASRock Z890I NOVA – Test Rig

ASRock Z890I NOVA – Test Rig

Conclusion

If we are searching for the best ITX motherboard for new Intel processors, then we don’t have a big choice, but at the same time, we have one great option, which is the clear answer for the needs of the most demanding users. The Z890I NOVA meets high expectations regarding design, power delivery, cooling, and stability. The motherboard is also well-equipped with Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 7, a fast M.2 socket, 5Gbps LAN, and other features well-known from high ASRock motherboards.

ASRock motherboards are fully compatible with most RGB devices, such as fans, LED strips, water cooling components, RAM modules, etc. There were also no problems with various RAM kits, regular UDIMMs, or new CUDIMMs. Both series overclocked well.

The ASRock Z890I NOVA costs $299.99 in the Newegg online store. It’s not cheap, but it’s still a very reasonable price for such a good ITX motherboard from the new series.
The Z890I NOVA is another great ASRock ITX motherboard. Whether you are a gamer or a computer enthusiast, you will be delighted with this motherboard, and it fully deserves our Approved Stamp!

Click the stamp for an explanation of what this means.

Bartosz Waluk – Woomack

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