Introduction
The LGA1700 socket is now on its third CPU generation with the release of Intel’s 14th-gen CPUs codenamed Raptor Lake Refresh and as the name suggests, it is a refresh of the previous generation which is doubled-down on the fact that we’re also getting a refresh of last-generation’s chipset. Z790 refresh motherboards were previewed during COMPUTEX 2023 and we had a glimpse of what to expect.
Immediately obvious is the limited quantities of SKUs that we will be seeing. Brands will have anywhere from 2 to 4 SKUs on average, focusing more on upgrades in build quality as well as some functionality improvements in the form of slot reassignments and DIY quality-of-life features. This works well with the minimal feature additions we get from Intel’s 14th-generation CPUs but is still the best combo together with the new Z790 boards if one feels they need the improvements found on the new wave of parts.
In this review we’ll be going over the ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WIFI, ASRock’s new entry model for their Z790 refresh offerings hoping to cater to those that want to dip in the latest hardware for their new builds without the embellishments of top-end boards.
We also have a review of the ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 NOVA WIFI.
Read on to find out more!
Specifications
| ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WIFI Specifications | |
|---|---|
| CPU Support | Intel 12th, 13th, 14th-generation Core CPU (LGA1700) |
| Power Delivery Design | 16+1 |
| Chipset | Intel Z790 |
| Memory Support | 4 x DIMM, Max. 192GB, DDR5-8000+ (OC) |
| Expansion Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 (CPU) 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 1x M.2 Socket E |
| Storage Interface/s | 5x M.2 8x SATA |
| Networking | Killer E3100G 2.5GbE |
| Audio | Realtek ALC4082 |
| Fan Headers | 6x 4-pin 1x pump header |
| Dimensions | ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm |
| Rear I/O Ports | 2 x Antenna Mounting Points 1 x HDMI Port 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Ports (10 Gb/s) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C Port 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Ports (USB32_56 are Lightning Gaming Ports.) 2 x USB 2.0 Ports 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port HD Audio Jacks: Line in / Front Speaker / Microphone |
Closer Look
ASRock packages their Phantom Gaming boards in this textured box with full color prints. The front features the Phantom Gaming brand logo with the back showing information about the board features. There is another cardboard box inside containing the motherboard and accessories.
The ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WIFI is a full upgrade of the original Z790 Riptide featuring a stronger power delivery design, bumping up the VRM to a 16-phase design. It also gets a slight makeover with gradient teal and pink adorning some of the colored area as it drops the metallic blue from the previous board. Its a nice visual change and one that’s a more appealing.
The top area of the board features headers for the fans, front IO and board power. The ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WIFI has two 8-pin ATX12V power input for the CPU.
The lower part of the board also sees a redesign with the area between both x16 slots now filled by a metal shroud to both cool the M.2 SSDs beneath it, but also add some visual flare to the board. The top M.2 Gen5 slot comes with a quick-release cover for easy access as well with all M.2 retention locks now having tool-less latches to secure 2280-length M.2 SSDs.
The PG Z790 Riptide WIFI features a heavy loadout of IO with a rich complement of USB ports of speeds up 10Gbps.
User Experience & Conclusion
The local PH pricing for the ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WIFI has yet to be officially announce but going by its ~$250-ish MSRP, it sits at a position where most budget models from competing brands come in. It does have internal competition not just from its sister boards from ASRock but from older-gen motherboards which makes the proposition a bit tougher if you’re looking for outright value.
By itself, the PG Z790 Riptide WIFI is more overbuilt version of its previous self, hoping to lure in users with a more packed IO and feature suite. On top of this, the aesthetic revision also gives an edge over its last-gen counterpart as well as its direct competition with the Elite X WIFI refresh board from AORUS as one of the noteworthy potential matchup of this board in terms of price.
For users eyeing this board, it will share many similarities with competing models from the same generation including the power stages as well as connectivity loadout which should leave room only for niche use-cases to really make the case for a dealbreaker. That said, if you’re just after a good Z790 Refresh motherboard, the ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WIFI is a safe choice if you’re limiting your options to this year’s releases.
