Motherboard ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890M Riptide WiFi — Intel Z890, LGA1851, microATX, DDR5, 4x DIMM, 256GB, Wi‑Fi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN

The motherboard features an optimized VRM with a 16+1+1+1+1 power phase layout, upgraded 20K Black capacitors with 1000µF capacitance, integrated Dr. MOS stages and Hi-Density power connectors. It includes 2oz copper inner layers for improved thermal performance, multiple high-speed M.2 slots including PCIe Gen5 Blazing M.2 and Hyper M.2 Gen4 x4, and extensive memory overclocking support with DDR5 XMP and AMD EXPO profiles. Cooling is addressed with enlarged aluminum M.2 heatsinks, a bottom M.2 heatsink, optimized aluminum heatsinks for VRM and chipset, PWM/DC fan headers, a thermistor header and ASRock Fan-Tastic Tuning. Connectivity options include Killer Ethernet E3100 2.5Gbps, Wi‑Fi 6E, Thunderbolt 4 Type‑C, front-panel USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type‑C header, and Nahimic audio. The board also offers Polychrome RGB and SignalRGB compatibility, toolless M.2 heatsink installation with anti-drop screws, BIOS Flashback and a flexible integrated I/O shield.

Advantages

The upgraded 20K Black capacitor increases lifespan to 20,000 hours and raises capacitance from 560µF to 1000µF, improving charge storage, lowering ripple and stabilizing output current for better system reliability. The 16+1+1+1+1 VRM design with Dr. MOS delivers smoother power to the CPU, enabling stable overclocking and lower temperatures under load. Hi‑Density power connectors and 2oz copper PCB layers improve current delivery and energy efficiency. Multiple M.2 solutions (PCIe Gen5 and Gen4 x4) and enlarged heatsinks maximize SSD performance and thermal stability. Advanced connectivity (2.5GbE, Wi‑Fi 6E, Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen2x2) and Nahimic audio provide low-latency networking and comprehensive sound processing.

Key specifications

• VRM: 16+1+1+1+1 power phase design with Dr. MOS
• Capacitors: Exclusive 20K Black capacitor, 1000µF capacitance
• PCB: 2oz copper inner layers
• M.2 support: PCIe Gen5 Blazing M.2 and Hyper M.2 Gen4 x4
• Memory: DDR5 with XMP & AMD EXPO support, Memory OC Shield
• M.2 cooling: XXL M.2 heatsink, bottom M.2 heatsink, toolless heatsink with anti-drop screw
• Cooling headers: PWM/DC fan support, thermistor header, Fan‑Tastic Tuning
• Networking: Killer™ Ethernet E3100 2.5Gbps, Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax/6E)
• Ports: Thunderbolt™ 4 Type‑C, Front-panel USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type‑C header
• Audio: Nahimic audio suite with noise suppression, echo cancellation and Sound Tracker
• Lighting: Polychrome RGB and SignalRGB support, ARGB splitter cable included
• BIOS & tools: BIOS Flashback, Auto Driver Installer, flexible integrated I/O shield

How to use

Install the motherboard into a compatible chassis, connect the power supply using the Hi‑Density CPU and ATX connectors, and seat the CPU, DDR5 memory modules (ensure XMP/EXPO capability if using profiles) and M.2 SSDs into the appropriate slots. Use the toolless M.2 heatsink mechanism and secure with the anti‑drop screw where applicable. Connect case fans to the PWM/DC headers and optional thermistor cable to the thermistor header for additional temperature monitoring. Configure fan curves and thermal policies in UEFI or with Fan‑Tastic Tuning. For network setup, install drivers for Killer Ethernet or enable Wi‑Fi 6E via the included antenna and software. Use BIOS Flashback to update firmware if needed without CPU or RAM installed, and install drivers using the Auto Driver Installer if required.

Recommendations

For stable overclocking and long-term reliability, use high-quality DDR5 modules that support Intel® XMP or AMD EXPO profiles, install rapidly cooled PCIe Gen5/Gen4 M.2 SSDs under the XXL M.2 heatsink, and ensure sufficient case airflow by connecting multiple fans to the PWM/DC headers and configuring Fan‑Tastic Tuning.