Oops, another leak about future Z890 motherboards. After the ASUS boards, now it’s time for the ASRock boards, with 12 boards on the loose. For this, we have to thank VideoCardz, who is throwing it all away!
ASRock Z890: Taichi, the high-end cards!
We start at the top end of the range with the Taichi series. This range of cards comprises three models: the Taichi OCF, the Taichi all-in-one and the Lite version. Here, we’re dealing with the top of the line from the brand. These cards offer the very best the brand has to offer.
The OCF is a model dedicated to overclocking. The Taichi would be the equivalent of a ROG Extreme in spirit, with all the features that the brand can offer. Finally, the Lite version offers the same level of functionality, but with a more refined design and aesthetic.
The Phantom Gaming series:
Clearly, the Phantom gaming series has improved over time, with some very visually appealing models, even including the first model in the range: the Lightning.
In actual fact, while the Nova is the best-equipped card in the series, the models are pretty similar to each other. The main differences are in connectivity and audio/networking. The Z890i Nova model is very attractive, despite its rather meagre I/O panel.
The Live Mixer goes soft!
With this Live Mixer series, ASRock offers us a card for content creators whose design has been greatly toned down. We remember the Z790 model, with its garishly colored spots on the various heatsinks that make up the board.
In layman’s terms, this model is a Z890 PG Lightnin, but with better audio, Thunderbolt 4 and the latest PCIe x16 instead of x4.
Steel Legend:
The Steel Legend is a board with an all-white PCB and heatsinks in the same color. This board is clearly based on the PG Lightning, with identical connectors and layout. Only the aesthetics change.
The Pro range!
Last but not least, the Pro series represents the brand’s entry-level range. Here we find two identical models, the Pro RS and Pro RS White. Apart from the color, there’s no real difference, with models offering four DIMMs, one PCIe x16, three M.2 and four SATA III.
The little Pro-A is the entry-level model par excellence. While it offers the same connectivity as its sisters, the aesthetics are more refined, while the two lower M.2s don’t even have heatsinks.