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ASRock Z490 Aqua Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£310
  • CPU socket: LGA 1200
  • Chipset: Intel Z490
  • Form factor: E-ATX

ASRock Z490 Aqua review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

7.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

7.7

Technical Score

10.0%

7.0

User score

Very good
7.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

6.9

Memory

16.0%

8.7

Platform & Features

16.0%

7.3

Storage

15.0%

9.3

Network

13.0%

8.0

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.9

Expansion

8.0%

7.9

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.2

Audio

Very good
7.0

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

2.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(21)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(25)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 6.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.5

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    7.8

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    2.9

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The ASRock Z490 AQUA is an ultra-premium, limited-edition EATX motherboard (only 999 units) designed for 10th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA1200 socket. It is defined by its massive custom AQUA Cooling Armor monoblock that liquid-cools both the CPU and the robust 16-phase 90A VRM, complemented by a server-grade 8-layer PCB and a built-in OLED status display. Connectivity is top-tier, featuring dual Thunderbolt 3 Type-C ports, Aquantia 10GbE and 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6, and support for DDR4 memory speeds up to 4800MHz+(OC) across four slots. Main pros include its exceptional cooling efficiency for extreme overclocking, stunning aluminum aesthetic with integrated RGB, and a comprehensive accessory pack that includes custom water-cooling fittings. However, it carries a very high price tag, is physically heavy, and lacks some specialized water-cooling headers found on competing flagship boards.

Technical Specifications of ASRock Z490 Aqua

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

6.9

Memory

16.0%

8.7

Platform & Features

16.0%

7.3

Storage

15.0%

9.3

Network

13.0%

8.0

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.9

Expansion

8.0%

7.9

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.2

Audio

7.7
ASRock Z490 Aqua has a technical score of 7.72 points, which is higher than that of 76% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

2.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(21)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(25)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.0
ASRock Z490 Aqua has a user score of 7.03 points, which is lower than that of 77.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
2.9
ASRock Z490 Aqua has a popularity of 2.9 points, which is lower than 60.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.6

Overall score

40.0%

8.9

Price

8.0
ASRock Z490 Aqua has a quality-to-price ratio of 8 points, which is higher than 71.3% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

Asrock
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1200
ASRock Z490 Aqua uses the LGA 1200 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 61.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z490
ASRock Z490 Aqua uses the Intel Z490 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 56.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.9% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

E-ATX
ASRock Z490 Aqua has the E-ATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 92% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.8% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
ASRock Z490 Aqua uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 51% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
ASRock Z490 Aqua supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
ASRock Z490 Aqua supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

2,933 MT/s
ASRock Z490 Aqua supports memory speeds up to 2933 MT/s, which is lower than that of 75% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.3% of motherboards.
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

3
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.4% of motherboards and equal to 18.6% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
ASRock Z490 Aqua offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4, 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 55.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.3% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
ASRock Z490 Aqua supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

yes
ASRock Z490 Aqua supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST support
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N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
requires 11th Gen Intel CPU
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

3
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.8% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Gen3 mode with 10th Gen Intel CPU
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
ASRock Z490 Aqua uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 56.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.7% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASRock Z490 Aqua supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

10
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.6% of motherboards and equal to 15.7% of motherboards.
includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

17
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 17 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 72.1% of motherboards and equal to 10.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

3
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 3 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 96.6% of motherboards and equal to 2.7% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

4
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 4 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 95.8% of motherboards and equal to 2.7% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

10 Gbps
ASRock Z490 Aqua supports LAN speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is higher than that of 95.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.2% of motherboards.
also includes 2.5GbE secondary port
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Marvell AQtion AQC107 + Realtek RTL8125BG + Realtek RTL8125B
ASRock Z490 Aqua uses the Marvell AQtion AQC107 + Realtek RTL8125BG + Realtek RTL8125B LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 96.5% of motherboards.
dual LAN
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

2
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASRock Z490 Aqua supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
ASRock Z490 Aqua supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 60.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.6% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC1220
ASRock Z490 Aqua uses the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 65.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 13% of motherboards.
with ESS DAC.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
ASRock Z490 Aqua offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

130 dB
ASRock Z490 Aqua has an audio SNR of 130 dB, which is higher than that of 98% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.8% of motherboards.
via ESS DAC.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
ASRock Z490 Aqua supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

14+2
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 14+2 VRM phases, which is more than 75.8% of motherboards and equal to 1.1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
ASRock Z490 Aqua has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.2% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASRock Z490 Aqua has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

3 A
ASRock Z490 Aqua supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 76.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.2% of motherboards.
Show more

ASRock Z490 Aqua vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster USB-A ports for storage or accessories.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.3 vs 1
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.10 vs 8
  • 2 more rear USB-C ports
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.3 vs 1
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.3 vs 2
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.2 vs 1
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    also includes 2.5GbE secondary port
    What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.5GbE

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
    What it is: Shows whether the rear I/O shield comes pre-mounted on the motherboard instead of being installed separately.
    When it matters: When you want an easier motherboard installation process.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    POST codes shown on OLED panel.
    What it is: Shows whether the board includes a diagnostic POST code readout for boot troubleshooting.
    When it matters: When you troubleshoot boot issues and want clearer error information.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • More BIOS update options
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Includes onboard power button
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • Supports ECC memory
    ASRock Z490 Aqua supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 2 more rear USB-C ports
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
  • 3 more total USB-C connections
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
  • 2 more total USB connections
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (17 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 2 more Thunderbolt 3 ports
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more Thunderbolt 3 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 3 port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    ASRock Z490 Aqua supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    ASRock Z490 Aqua supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 15 dB higher audio SNR
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (130 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • Better audio codec
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1,220 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 3 more fan headers
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • More VRM phases
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (14+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 1 more RGB headers
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.

Total
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • 36.2% lower maximum RAM speed
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,933 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4, 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
  • Older HDMI version
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.1 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • More basic chipset cooling
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more basic chipset cooling than the average motherboard (liquid vs Passive). The average motherboard uses Passive chipset cooling.
    integrated monoblock
  • 61 mm wider
    ASRock Z490 Aqua is wider than the average motherboard (305 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z490 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4, 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4, 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.1x PCIe 3.0x4, 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • More basic chipset cooling
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more basic chipset cooling than the average motherboard (liquid vs Passive). The average motherboard uses Passive chipset cooling.
    integrated monoblock
    What it is: The cooling method used for the motherboard chipset, such as passive or active cooling.
    When it matters: When chipset noise or thermal behavior matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has more basic chipset cooling than the average motherboard (liquid vs Passive). The average motherboard uses Passive chipset cooling.liquid vs Passive
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    What it is: The number of DisplayPort video outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect compatible displays through the rear I/O.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.0 vs 1
  • 36.2% lower maximum RAM speed
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,933 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
    What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=6400 MT/s

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,933 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.2933 MT/s vs 4600 MT/s
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    What it is: The number of internal USB 2.0 headers available for case connections.
    When it matters: When your case or accessories need internal USB connections.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.1 vs 2
  • 93.8% more expensive
    ASRock Z490 Aqua is more expensive than the average motherboard (£310 vs £160).
    ASRock Z490 Aqua is more expensive than the average motherboard (£310 vs £160).£310 vs £160
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASRock Z490 Aqua has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of PS/2 ports on the motherboard rear I/O.
    When it matters: When you want support for older keyboards or mice.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z490 Aqua has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.0 vs 1
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Ports & USB
Network
Power & Cooling

Graphic comparison of ASRock Z490 Aqua and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
21 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
25 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASRock Z490 Aqua?

  • Superior thermal performance due to the integrated custom monoblock that cools both the CPU and VRMs
  • Premium aesthetics with a heavy-duty aluminum shroud and vibrant, well-diffused RGB lighting
  • Top-tier connectivity including dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and 10GbE + 2.5GbE LAN options
  • Informative built-in OLED display for real-time monitoring of voltages, temperatures, and POST status
  • Extremely robust 16-phase 90A power delivery system (VRM) capable of handling heavy overclocking
  • Includes specialized accessories like 14mm water cooling fittings and hard tube piping

What customers dislike about ASRock Z490 Aqua?

  • Incredibly high price point, often exceeding $1,100, making it a niche 'halo' product
  • Extreme physical weight and size (E-ATX) can potentially damage low-quality cases or fittings
  • Proprietary monoblock inlet/outlet positioning can make tube routing difficult with standard distro plates
  • Polychrome RGB software is often described as less polished compared to competitor solutions
  • Slightly slower performance in specific single-threaded benchmarks like Cinebench compared to some peers

Video reviews

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