Asrock Z390 Taichi Review

The ASRock Z390 Taichi motherboard is a premium choice for enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals looking to build high-performance systems. It supports 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors and offers robust overclocking, extensive connectivity options, and durable design. 

This review breaks down the Z390 Taichi's benefits, drawbacks, key specifications, and ideal use cases, providing a comprehensive guide for those considering it for their next build.

Let's get straight to the point

ASRock Z390 Taichi is a premium motherboard for enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals needing high-performance, robust overclocking capabilities. It supports 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors with various connectivity options and durable design. 

Notable specs include 64GB DDR4 RAM support, dual M.2 slots for fast NVMe SSDs, three PCIe x16 slots for multi-GPU configurations, and advanced networking with 10GbE LAN and dual Gigabit Ethernet. It’s perfect for gaming, content creation, and high-powered workstations. 

While its premium price and minor limitations around M.2 slots and CNVi compatibility may be drawbacks, the Z390 Taichi is a solid choice for those aiming to build a high-performance PC.

Specifications Of The ASRock Z390 Taichi

1. Processor Compatibility

• Supports Intel 8th and 9th Generation Core processors, providing compatibility with high-performance CPUs. This flexibility is ideal for users seeking powerful and efficient processing options from Intel’s lineup.

2. Socket

• This motherboard, equipped with an LGA1151 socket, is tailored to Intel processors, ensuring a secure and stable connection for consistent performance.

3. Memory

• Features four DIMM slots with support for up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, allowing users to achieve higher memory capacities and speeds. This makes it suitable for tasks demanding large memory, from gaming to multitasking and media creation.

4. Storage

• Offers two M.2 slots for ultra-fast NVMe SSDs, perfect for high-speed data transfer and load times.
• It comes with twelve SATA3 ports, providing additional storage options for HDDs and SSDs, ideal for users who require extensive storage setups.

5. Expansion Slots

• Three PCIe x16 slots for high-speed GPU installations, suitable for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks and multi-GPU configurations.
• There are two PCIe x1 slots for additional expansion cards, such as sound cards, networking cards, or additional USB slots.

6. Network

• Boasts a 10GbE LAN port for ultra-fast wired connectivity.
• Includes dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for enhanced network reliability, providing seamless switching between network connections.
• The Integrated Wi-Fi module for wireless connectivity is ideal for users who prefer wireless setups.

7. Audio

• Features the Realtek ALC1220 codec for high-definition audio output, ensuring clear, immersive sound quality.
• Equipped with a 7.1-channel Purity Sound 4 suite, which enhances audio experience, particularly in gaming and multimedia use.

8. USB Ports

• Ten USB 3.1 ports provide extensive connectivity options for a range of devices.
• Includes USB Type-C support, which is versatile and essential for connecting newer devices with faster data transfer speeds.

9. Form Factor

• The ATX form factor offers compatibility with most standard ATX cases, allowing users flexibility in choosing their PC case.

Benefits Of ASRock Z390 Taichi

The ASRock Z390 Taichi brings several key benefits that make it a strong contender for high-performance builds:

1. Exceptional Overclocking Capabilities

• 12-phase power delivery: Enables stable overclocking, especially for high-end processors like the Intel Core i9-9900K.
• Easy voltage control: The advanced VRM design allows for precise control, making overclocking straightforward even for beginners.
• Pre-set BIOS profiles: This option offers pre-configured profiles for different overclocking levels, although manual tuning is also supported for finer adjustments.

2. Advanced Networking Options

• 10GbE LAN: The Z390 Taichi Ultimate model includes a 10Gbps Aquantia LAN port, ideal for users requiring ultra-fast wired connections.
• Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports: Ensures stable, high-speed internet, with an additional port for dual LAN configurations.
• Upgraded Wi-Fi: This model features an enhanced Wi-Fi module, supporting high-speed wireless connections and can be configured as an access point.

3. Flexible Storage And Connectivity

• Dual M.2 slots: This slot supports high-speed NVMe storage, with options for PCIe Gen3 x4 to maximise read/write speeds.
• Twelve SATA3 ports: Accommodates a mix of HDD and SSD drives for users requiring extensive storage capacity.
• USB 3.1 and front panel headers: This product includes ten USB 3.1 ports, providing various connection options for peripherals and external storage.

4. High-Quality Audio

• Purity Sound 4 suite: Powered by the Realtek ALC1220 codec, delivering clear audio output suitable for gaming and content creation.
• 7.1-channel audio support: Provides an immersive audio experience, especially for users with surround sound setups.
• Gold-plated jacks: Reduce signal interference and improve overall sound quality.

5. Durable Design And Aesthetics

• Industrial design: The black and grey theme with a gear motif offers a unique, durable look that resonates with ASRock’s Taichi series branding.
• Reinforced PCIe slots: Built to support heavier graphics cards without risk of slot damage.
• Effective cooling: Heatsinks on VRM and M.2 slots prevent overheating, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Drawbacks Of ASRock Z390 Taichi

While the ASRock Z390 Taichi is feature-rich, there are a few drawbacks to consider:

1. Limited Cnvi Compatibility

• No CNVi support: The lack of CNVi compatibility limits affordable Wi-Fi options that would otherwise reduce costs for users relying on wireless connections.

2. Overclocking Voltage Issues

• High default voltage: The pre-set BIOS overclocking profiles apply high voltage levels, which may lead to overheating or instability unless adjusted manually.
• Manual tuning required: Users may need to manually lower the voltage to balance performance and stability, particularly when aiming for 5.0 GHz or higher clock speeds.

3. Potential Space Limitations For Expansion

• Limited space near M.2 slots: Installing larger expansion cards can become challenging due to the proximity of PCIe x1 slots and M.2 slots, which may obstruct airflow or make installation cumbersome.
• Overlapping SATA ports: Using the first and third M.2 slots may turn off certain SATA ports, limiting available options for storage drives if multiple M.2 drives are in use.

4. Premium Pricing

• Higher cost: The Z390 Taichi, especially the Ultimate version, carries a premium price tag that may be out of reach for users with tight budgets, especially considering alternatives with similar specs at a lower cost.

Ideal Use Cases For ASRock Z390 Taichi

The ASRock Z390 Taichi best suits users seeking high performance in various fields, from gaming to content creation.

1. Gaming Builds

• Supports high-performance graphics cards: With three PCIe x16 slots, this motherboard is well-suited for multi-GPU setups and provides the power needed for graphics-intensive gaming.
• Fast connectivity options are ideal for gamers who require low-latency networking, particularly those who participate in online or competitive gaming.
• Excellent audio features: The 7.1-channel sound support enhances the gaming experience, providing immersive sound for both casual and competitive play.

2. Content Creation

• High memory capacity: The four DIMM slots, which support up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, allow creators to handle memory-intensive applications like video editing and 3D rendering.
• Fast storage solutions: Dual M.2 slots support high-speed NVMe storage, essential for fast data transfer and reduced rendering times.
• Multiple display options: This option is ideal for creators needing multi-monitor setups, with flexible connectivity options supporting a variety of graphics configurations.

3. High-Performance Workstations

• Overclocking support: Users looking to optimise CPU performance can use the 12-phase power delivery system to achieve higher clock speeds and processing power.
• Flexible networking: With 10GbE LAN and dual Gigabit Ethernet, the Z390 Taichi provides stable, high-speed internet, essential for data-heavy tasks and remote work.
• Durability for 24/7 operation: Built for long-lasting use, the motherboard’s durable components and effective cooling systems make it suitable for continuous, high-demand workloads.

Conclusion

The ASRock Z390 Taichi is a powerful and versatile motherboard designed for enthusiasts, gamers, and content creators who require high performance and reliable connectivity.

With its robust overclocking capabilities, extensive connectivity options, and premium build quality, this motherboard is ideal for those who demand top-notch performance in demanding environments. 

While it comes with a premium price tag and minor drawbacks, such as limited CNVi compatibility and potential space limitations around the M.2 slots, the Z390 Taichi offers a comprehensive feature set that makes it well worth the investment for users looking to build a high-performance PC.

Whether you’re assembling a gaming rig, a content creation setup, or a high-powered workstation, the ASRock Z390 Taichi provides a solid foundation for your build.