ASRock recently added new motherboards to the Phantom Gaming line, targeting gaming PCs. These latest models offer new innovative features that also cater to overclockers. Today, our ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide Review features one of these newly launched motherboards.
Like other motherboards with the Z890 chip, the Z890 Riptide supports the Intel Core Ultra 200 processors. It also supports more high-speed expansion and enhanced power design to deliver efficiency and superior performance.
Is this motherboard ideal for your gaming PC build? Our ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide Review will discuss all the essential information to answer this question.
ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide Packaging
ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide Review – Design and Functionality
We instantly noticed the aesthetics when we examined the motherboard for this ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide Review. As a product from the Phantom Gaming series, gamers designed this motherboard with gaming-oriented features and capabilities.
The Z890 Riptide is a sleek motherboard with a predominantly black colour scheme. It features multi-coloured wavy lines representing its name – the Riptide. The waves have a gradient design, transitioning from blue and violet to fuschia and white.
The Z890 Riptide has four dual-channel DIMM slots supporting DDR5. This memory can support ultra-fast speeds to achieve superior system performance.
It also includes the Memory OC Shield, a unique ASRock innovation designed to minimise electromagnetic interference that can impact memory overclocking.
We also want to highlight the robust storage options in our ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide Review. It has four SATA 3 6Gbps slots and four Hyper M.2 sockets, with the latter supporting PCIe Gen4 x4.
This motherboard also has a PCIe Gen5 x16 slot featuring SMT technology. Its reinforced steel slot for stability and increased support when installing heavy graphics cards.
We noticed the solid selection of USB connectors ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide Review. It has the following USB connectors on the rear:
- Two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports on the rear
- Two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports
- Four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
- Two USB 2.0 ports
The front ports include the following:
- One USB 3.2 Gen2 x 2 Type-C
- Four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
- Four USB 2.0 ports
Key Features of the ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide
Z890 chip motherboards work with Intel Core Ultra processors. They also offer features such as a solid power design, cooling solutions, and intelligent tuning options.
What makes our featured product one of the best Z890 motherboards? Our ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide Review will discuss its primary features to learn what it offers.
Impressive 20K Capacitor
The Z890 Riptide features the upgraded 20K black capacitors, offering a 20,000-hour lifespan for future-proofing. It also boosts the capacitance value by 440uF, offering numerous benefits. High capacitance offers better charge storage and support under demanding loads.
The increased capacitance also reduces ripple for less output power fluctuations for more stable and reliable system performance. It also minimises voltage impacts and ensures consistent operation.
22 Power Phases (18+1+1+1+1)
The Z890 Riptide has 22 power phases and uses sturdy components for smooth power delivery to the processor. These components enable the motherboard to offer superior overclocking capabilities and top-notch performance. Its power design also ensures low temperatures during operation for advanced gaming.
Smart Power Stage (SPS)
The Dr MOS design uses the newest SPS technologies, achieving smoother and cleaner power to the CPU. ASRock optimised these to monitor the temperature and current of each power phase.
The latest SPS offers the Z890 Riptide higher overclocking capabilities and enables enhanced performance.
2oz Copper PCB
The motherboard equips PCBs with 2oz copper inner layers to achieve stable power shapes and signal traces. The copper reinforcement allows for maintaining low temperatures while ensuring increased energy efficiency when overclocking.
Fast M.2 Solution
PCIe Gen5 Blazing M.2 supports the latest PCIe 5.0 standard to deliver more bandwidth than the previous generation. It transfers files as fast as 128GB/s, unleashing the maximum potential of ultra-fast SSDs.
Extreme Overclocking Capabilities With the ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide
ASRock built the Z890 Riptide based on its design concept: stability and reliability. This motherboard uses premium materials and does not compromise details, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy intense overclocking.
Innovative Design for Easy PC Building
Thanks to its innovative features, building our PC before for this ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide Review was enjoyable. The company designed this motherboard with innovations that make PC building easy.
One of these features is the quick-release mechanism of the M.2 heatsink that simplifies the M.2 SSD installation. It also has an M.2 bottom heatsink to dissipate the heat of the M.2 SSD efficiently. This heatsink enables your system to deliver fast performance while maintaining system stability.
Advanced Cooling Solutions – Aluminium Heatsink, PWM/DC Fans, Thermistor Header, and Fan-Tastic Tuning
The motherboard has an aluminium heatsink. This material is highly effective for heat dissipation during intensive workloads like gaming and content creation. It also allows the motherboard to manage thermal performance efficiently, ensuring durability and stability.
In addition to adding an aluminium heatsink, the Z890 Riptide supports PWM/DC fans. Its fan headers automatically detect fans running in these modes, allowing you to fine-tune the fan curve for silent performance.
This motherboard also has a thermistor cable and header for temperature monitoring. These innovative thermal management solutions allow customisation based on the workload. You can tweak various cooling functions via Fan-Tastic Tuning.
Killer E3100
The Killer E3100 2.5 Gbps is an optimised Ethernet controller for competitive gaming and other demanding applications.
WiFi7 – The Latest Wireless Technology
WiFi7 delivers more data throughput and lower latency. It also supports Multi-link operation for smooth interactive experiences, making it ideal for VR/AR.
Thunderbolt 4 Type-C
This motherboard features Thunderbolt 4, the most advanced USB-C connectivity. It delivers exceptional speed, supporting rapid data transfers of up to 40Gbps.
With Thunderbolt 4, the motherboard can accommodate external monitors, making it ideal for content creation and gaming. All Thunderbolt 4 technologies make the Z890 Riptide ideal for various productivity tasks.
Superior Sound With Nahimic Audio
This motherboard offers more than stability, performance, and reliability. It features Nahimic Audio to deliver immersive and engaging sound for top-notch immersion and engagement. This technology lets you enjoy more vibrant and detailed sound, regardless of the audio gear you use for listening.
Polychrome RGB
RGB lighting on this motherboard is versatile and has numerous options. Of course, we want to highlight this feature in our ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide Review.
The Z890 Riptide has onboard RGB and ARGB headers that accommodate various LED devices and accessories. You can connect LED strips, CPU fans, coolers, and more. When synchronised, Polychrome RGB Sync-certified products create stunning, one-of-a-kind lighting effects across your accessories.
Specifications
Productivity:
- PCIe Gen5 (Graphics, M.2)
- Dual-channel DDR5 memory
- Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C ports (40 Gb/s)
Durability:
- Server-grade low-loss PCB
- 18+1+1+1+1 power phase with 80A Smart Power Stages (SPS) and enlarged heatsink armour
- Memory OC Shield for stability
- Flexible integrated I/O shield
- 20K long-lasting black capacitors
Gaming:
- Killer 2.5G LAN and 802.11be WiFi 7 module
- ASRock Lightning Gaming USB Ports
Ease of Use:
- BIOS Flashback button
- ASRock Auto Driver Installer
Troubleshooting:
- ASRock Post Status Checker
CPU
- Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2, LGA1851)
- Features Intel® Hybrid Technology, Turbo Boost Max 3.0, Thermal Velocity Boost, and Adaptive Boost Technology
- Integrated NPU for AI acceleration
Chipset
- Intel® Z890
Memory
- Dual-channel DDR5 (up to 9466+ MHz OC)
- 4 DDR5 DIMM slots, max capacity: 256GB
- Supports XMP 3.0 and non-ECC un-buffered memory
Graphics
- Integrated Intel® Xe LPG graphics
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 (4K 120Hz HDR support)
- 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 (8K 60Hz or 5K 120Hz support)*
*Requires CPU with integrated graphics
Audio
- 7.1-channel HD audio (Realtek ALC1220 Codec)
- Impedance sensing for rear out port
- Nahimic Audio for enhanced sound
LAN:
- Killer E3100G 2.5Gbps Ethernet
Wireless:
- WiFi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO
- Supports 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands
- Bluetooth 5.4
Expansion Slots:
- 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot
Chipset:
- 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4 mode)
- 1 x PCIe 4.0 x1 slot
- 1 x M.2 slot (WiFi/BT support)
Storage
- 1 x Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5 x4, up to 128Gb/s)
- 1 x Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4 x4, up to 64Gb/s)
Chipset:
- 3 x Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4 x4, up to 64Gb/s)
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
RAID
- Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 for both SATA and M.2 NVMe devices
USB Ports
- 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C (40Gb/s)
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (10Gb/s)
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1
- 2 x USB 2.0
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (20Gb/s)
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1
- 4 x USB 2.0
Cooling and Power
- 2 x CPU fan headers, 4 x chassis fan headers, 1 x AIO pump fan header, 1 x water pump fan header
- Smart fan speed control
- 24-pin ATX power connector, 2 x 8-pin 12V power connectors
Rear I/O Panel
- 2 x antenna ports
- 1 x HDMI port
- 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1
- 2 x USB 2.0
- 1 x optical S/PDIF out
- 1 x RJ-45 LAN port
- Gold-plated audio jacks
Software:
- ASRock Utility Suite (Phantom Gaming Tuning, Polychrome SYNC)
- Killer Control Center
Accessories:
- 2 x SATA cables
- 1 x WiFi antenna
- 1 x ARGB splitter cable
Form Factor
- ATX: 30.5cm x 24.4cm
- 2oz Copper PCB
Operating System
- Microsoft Windows® 10/11 64-bit
Hands-on with the ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide
Using the ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide was a seamless and rewarding experience, reflecting its thoughtful design, high-performance capabilities, and focus on ease of use.
From the moment we unboxed the motherboard, it was clear that ASRock prioritised both functionality and aesthetics. The sleek black PCB, accented with gradient “Riptide” graphics, gave it a premium and gaming-oriented look, while its intuitive layout ensured that every component was easy to access and install.
Building a PC with the Z890 Riptide was remarkably straightforward, thanks to its DIY-friendly innovations. Features such as the quick-release M.2 heatsink eliminated the need for tools, making SSD installation effortless. The inclusion of reinforced PCIe Gen5 slots added extra durability and support for heavier graphics cards, ensuring stability in high-performance builds.
Well-labelled connectors, pre-installed I/O shielding, and strategically placed headers further streamlined the assembly process, making the motherboard an excellent choice for both experienced builders and those new to PC assembly.
Once powered on, the Z890 Riptide delivered exceptional performance across a variety of demanding tasks. Equipped with 22 power phases and Smart Power Stage (SPS) technology, the motherboard provided clean and reliable power delivery to the CPU, even under heavy loads.
Whether we were gaming at high frame rates, multitasking, or running resource-intensive applications such as video editing, the motherboard handled it all with consistent and stable operation. Its robust design also ensured impressive overclocking capabilities, allowing enthusiasts to push their systems to new limits without compromising reliability.
ASRock’s focus on cooling solutions was evident throughout our testing. The large aluminium heatsinks efficiently dissipated heat during extended workloads, while the thermistor header and support for PWM/DC fans added flexibility to cooling configurations.
Using the Fan-Tastic Tuning software, we customised the fan curves to balance cooling performance with low noise levels, achieving silent operation during lighter tasks and optimal cooling during intensive workloads. The inclusion of M.2 bottom heatsinks for SSDs ensured that our storage devices maintained low temperatures, maximising their performance and longevity.
Connectivity was another area where the Z890 Riptide excelled. Its support for WiFi7 and Killer E3100 2.5Gbps Ethernet provided fast and reliable network speeds, perfect for competitive gaming and high-bandwidth tasks such as streaming and file transfers.
The addition of Thunderbolt 4 further enhanced its versatility, offering rapid data transfer speeds, external monitor support, and compatibility with a range of modern devices.
Combined with its well-thought-out I/O options, including multiple USB ports and high-speed connectors, the motherboard easily met the demands of a modern setup.
The audio experience was equally impressive, thanks to the inclusion of Nahimic Audio. Whether gaming, streaming, or enjoying media, the sound quality was immersive and vibrant, adding an extra layer of engagement to our setup.
The customisable Polychrome RGB lighting further enhanced the overall user experience, allowing us to create unique lighting effects that complemented the aesthetic of our build.
Gaming performance on the Z890 Riptide was particularly noteworthy. When paired with a high-performance GPU and DDR5 memory, the motherboard maximised the potential of the system, delivering smooth gameplay and rapid response times.
Thanks to the support for PCIe Gen5 and Blazing M.2, load times were significantly reduced, ensuring games launched quickly and ran without stuttering. Additionally, its low-latency networking capabilities, with WiFi7 and Killer E3100 2.5Gbps Ethernet, ensured uninterrupted online gaming, even in competitive environments requiring fast and reliable connections.
For content creators and professionals, the Z890 Riptide’s capabilities extend far beyond gaming. Its advanced storage options, including support for four M.2 slots with PCIe Gen5, made file transfers and large data operations incredibly fast, enhancing workflows for video editing and 3D rendering.
The DDR5 support allowed the motherboard to handle high-speed memory configurations, which proved invaluable during multitasking-heavy scenarios. Combined with its robust thermal design, which kept temperatures low even during prolonged workloads, the motherboard demonstrated its ability to maintain consistent performance in demanding environments.
The ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide delivered exceptional performance across a range of use cases. Whether for gaming, professional workloads, or general multitasking, it provided the power and stability necessary to handle anything we threw at it.
Its ability to balance performance, thermal efficiency, and power delivery makes it a standout option for users seeking a motherboard that can meet the demands of modern PC builds.
ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide Review Summary
The ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide delivers a well-rounded package for gamers, overclockers, and professionals. Its combination of robust power delivery, efficient cooling, and high-speed connectivity ensures excellent performance for demanding tasks like gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
With features like PCIe Gen5, DDR5 support, and Thunderbolt 4, it’s designed to handle cutting-edge components with ease.
Building with the Z890 Riptide is a straightforward and enjoyable process, thanks to its DIY-friendly features such as the quick-release M.2 heatsink and integrated I/O shield. The durable construction, including server-grade low-loss PCB and 20K capacitors, ensures long-lasting reliability, making it a future-proof choice for high-performance builds.
Performance is where the Z890 Riptide truly shines. From stable overclocking capabilities to seamless gaming experiences, it delivers consistent results without compromising efficiency.
Its advanced networking options, including WiFi 7 and Killer 2.5G LAN, provide fast and reliable connectivity, making it ideal for competitive gaming and high-bandwidth applications.
The ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Riptide is a feature-packed motherboard that combines functionality, durability, and performance at a competitive price point. Whether you’re a gamer, professional, or enthusiast, it offers the tools and stability needed for a powerful and efficient PC build.
