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ASRock Z490 Extreme4 Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£160
  • Avg. price in US: ~$190
  • CPU socket: LGA 1200
  • Chipset: Intel Z490
  • Form factor: ATX

ASRock Z490 Extreme4 review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

6.7

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%

6.6

Technical Score

10.0%

7.5

User score

Good
6.6

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%

7.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

7.5

Storage

15.0%

7.1

Network

13.0%

4.1

Ports & USB

8.0%

2.8

Expansion

8.0%

8.3

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.5

Audio

Good
7.5

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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

5.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(96)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(100)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 6.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.2

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    7.8

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    4.7

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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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 Extreme4 is an ATX motherboard designed for 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1200 socket, featuring a robust 11-phase Dr.MOS power design and support for dual-channel DDR4 memory speeds up to 4266MHz+ (OC). Its primary characteristics include high-speed Dragon 2.5G LAN, dual Ultra M.2 slots for PCIe Gen3 x4 storage, and a 'Hyper' M.2 slot ready for PCIe Gen4 x4 when paired with a compatible CPU. Notable pros include its strong overclocking capabilities (reaching 5.3GHz on high-end chips), a dedicated M.2 Key E slot for Wi-Fi modules, and extensive RGB customisation via Polychrome SYNC. However, potential cons include the absence of built-in Wi-Fi out of the box, a lack of standoff support on the far right edge due to its shaped PCB design, and a relatively sparse selection of USB ports on the rear I/O panel.

Technical Specifications of ASRock Z490 Extreme4

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%

7.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

7.5

Storage

15.0%

7.1

Network

13.0%

4.1

Ports & USB

8.0%

2.8

Expansion

8.0%

8.3

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.5

Audio

6.6
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has a technical score of 6.62 points, which is higher than that of 55.4% 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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

5.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(96)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(100)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.5
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has a user score of 7.46 points, which is lower than that of 65% 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.
5.3
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has a popularity of 5.3 points, which is higher than 57.9% 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%

6.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

7.6
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is higher than 57% 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 Extreme4 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 Extreme4 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

ATX
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
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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 Extreme4 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 Extreme4 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 Extreme4 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 Extreme4 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

4,266 MT/s
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 supports memory speeds up to 4266 MT/s, which is lower than that of 54.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.8% 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 Extreme4 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 4.0 x4, 2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 offers 1x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 67.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.8% 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

6
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% 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 Extreme4 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 Extreme4 supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
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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 Extreme4 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 Extreme4 has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
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

2
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.4% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
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 Extreme4 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

no
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 does not support PCIe bifurcation. 61% of motherboards support this feature.
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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

6
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% of motherboards.
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

15
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 48.3% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% 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

1
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.4% of motherboards and equal to 48.8% of motherboards.
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

2
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
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 Extreme4 has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
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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

2.5 Gbps
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
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

Realtek RTL8125B
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 uses the Realtek RTL8125B LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 58.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 17.3% of motherboards.
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

1
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% 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

no
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% 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)

N/A
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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 ALC1200
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 uses the Realtek ALC1200 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 62.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.4% of motherboards.
Nahimic audio.
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 Extreme4 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

110 dB
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has an audio SNR of 110 dB, which is lower than that of 55.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.7% of motherboards.
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 Extreme4 supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
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 Extreme4 has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
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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

11
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has 11 VRM phases, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 0.5% 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 Extreme4 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

7
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has 7 fan headers, which is more than 72.7% of motherboards and equal to 9.5% 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 Extreme4 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

2 A
ASRock Z490 Extreme4 supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 43.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 33.4% of motherboards.
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ASRock Z490 Extreme4 vs the average motherboard

  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 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 Extreme4 has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.3 vs 2
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 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 Extreme4 has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 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

    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 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.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster rear USB-C connectivity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 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.1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 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.
    two internal headers
    What it is: The number of internal USB 3.2 Gen1 headers for front-panel Type-A ports.
    When it matters: When your case has front USB-A ports to connect.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 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 vs 1
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe x1 slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want space for smaller add-in cards.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.3 vs 1
  • 2 more fan headers
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
    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

    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.7 vs 5
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 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.
    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

    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 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.x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 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 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 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.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 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.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 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 total USB-C connections
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • Better audio codec
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1,200 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 2 more fan headers
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • 1 more RGB headers
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.

Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4.0x4, 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.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • Older HDMI version
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • More basic LAN controller
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,125B vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 5 dB lower audio SNR
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (110 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 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 Extreme4 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
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    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 Extreme4 has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.6 vs 8
  • More basic LAN controller
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,125B vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C 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

    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,125B vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.Realtek RTL8125B vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C
  • No BIOS flashback support
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can update BIOS without needing a fully installed or supported CPU to boot first.
    When it matters: When you may need to update BIOS before the system can boot.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
    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

    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
    What it is: Shows whether the external Wi-Fi antenna is included with the motherboard package.
    When it matters: When the board has Wi-Fi and you want it ready to use right away.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4.0x4, 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 Extreme4 has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4.0x4, 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 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more standard USB ports with faster transfer speeds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=4

    ASRock Z490 Extreme4 has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.2 vs 4
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
96 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
100 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASRock Z490 Extreme4?

  • Excellent overclocking performance, capable of hitting 5.3GHz on all cores with high-end CPUs like the i9-10900K
  • Strong VRM and chipset thermal management with effective heatsinks
  • Includes a 2.5G LAN port for faster networking compared to standard gigabit
  • Features three front panel USB headers, including a USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C header
  • Future-ready with hardware support for PCIe 4.0 when paired with compatible 11th Gen CPUs
  • Extensive RGB lighting options with Polychrome SYNC support and multiple headers
  • User-friendly BIOS interface that simplifies tasks like setting RAM speeds (XMP) and BIOS updates

What customers dislike about ASRock Z490 Extreme4?

  • No built-in Wi-Fi module included out of the box (requires separate purchase)
  • Limited number of USB ports on the rear I/O panel, with some space used for older USB 2.0 ports
  • The physical board design lacks standoff mounting holes on the far right edge, requiring extra care during installation
  • Reported early BIOS compatibility issues with certain RAM modules and power limitations before updates
  • Does not support NVIDIA SLI (only supports AMD Crossfire)

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