Motherboard ASRock Z790I LIGHTNING WIFI — Intel Z790, LGA 1700, Mini-ITX, DDR5 up to 8600 MHz, 2x DIMM, Wi‑Fi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN, 2x M.2

ASRock Z790I LIGHTNING WIFI is a compact Mini-ITX motherboard based on the Intel Z790 chipset for LGA 1700 processors. It supports Intel Core i7 series CPUs, dual DDR5 DIMM slots with up to 96 GB total memory and frequencies up to 8600 MHz, dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 storage, SATA III and basic RAID, integrated Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, discrete HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs, 7.1-channel audio (Realtek ALC897) and a variety of USB ports including a front-panel USB Type-C. The board comes with antenna, SATA cable and mounting screws.

Advantages

The Mini-ITX form factor combines a full-featured Intel Z790 chipset with a small footprint suitable for compact builds. High DDR5 memory support and dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots provide strong performance and fast storage options. Integrated Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.5 Gb Ethernet deliver flexible networking, while multiple USB ports and front USB-C simplify peripheral connectivity. Onboard 7.1 audio and modern display outputs support multimedia use in small systems.

Suitable for

• Compact desktop builds and small-form-factor PCs
• Home office and multimedia systems with discrete display outputs
• Gaming or productivity rigs that require high-speed DDR5 memory and NVMe storage
• Systems needing Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.5 Gb wired networking

Key specifications

• Form factor: Mini-ITX (170 mm x 170 mm)
• Chipset: Intel Z790
• CPU socket: LGA 1700 (supports Intel Core i7 series)
• Memory: 2 x DIMM, DDR5, dual-channel, up to 96 GB, up to 8600 MHz (unbuffered)
• Storage interfaces: 2 x M.2 (PCIe 4.0), SATA III, supports HDD & SSD
• RAID: supported (RAID 0 indicated)
• Expansion: 1 x PCIe x16 (Gen5)
• Maximum display output resolution: up to 7680 x 4320
• Networking: Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
• Audio: 7.1 channels, Realtek ALC897
• Rear and internal I/O highlights: HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, multiple USB Type-A ports, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (rear), front-panel USB Type-C, SPDIF optical out, MIC and line-out
• Power connectors: 24-pin ATX, 8-pin EPS, 12V connector
• Cooling and headers: CPU fan connector, chassis fan connectors (2), 2 addressable RGB headers
• BIOS: UEFI AMI

How to use

Install the ASRock Z790I LIGHTNING WIFI into a compatible Mini-ITX case and connect a compatible LGA 1700 CPU and appropriate cooler. Populate up to two DDR5 DIMMs according to the motherboard manual to enable dual-channel operation, and attach power using the 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS connectors. Fit NVMe SSDs into the M.2 slots or connect SATA drives using the provided SATA cable; configure RAID if required via the BIOS. Attach the included Wi‑Fi antenna and connect external displays through HDMI or DisplayPort. Install the operating system (Windows 11 x64 is supported) and update UEFI/driver packages from the ASRock website as needed.

Recommendations

For stable high-frequency DDR5 operation, follow memory installation guidelines in the manual and use validated memory kits. Ensure adequate cooling and use quality power supply units that provide required ATX and EPS connectors. Update the UEFI to the latest version before first use and install networking drivers to enable Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 functionality.