OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

ASRock Z490 Taichi review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£290CPU socket:LGA 1200Chipset:Intel Z490Form factor:ATX

ASRock Z490 Taichi Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 12 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASRock Z490 Taichi
7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

40%

7.3

Technical score

20%

8.7

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

6.8

Sentiment score

10%

7.3

User score

â–²Better than 73% of motherboards
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

â–²Better than 66%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

19%

7.1

Memory

16%

8.7

Platform

16%

6.6

Storage

15%

9.1

Network

13%

6.4

Ports

8%

3.1

Expansion

8%

8.3

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

â–²Better than 73%
8.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

9.3

Popularity

Grades by review (12)
8 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–²Better than 88%
7.3

User score

User score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models

7.3

Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.3

Rating

30%

7.7

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 63%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • asrock-z490-taichi
asrock-z490-taichi
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the ASRock Z490 Taichi

Based on 8 · 4

Reviewers praise the overclocking, power delivery and storage options, but are split on fan noise and networking.
Praised
Mixed views
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASRock Z490 Taichi

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components:

19%

7.1

Memory

16%

8.7

Platform

16%

6.6

Storage

15%

9.1

Network

13%

6.4

Ports

8%

3.1

Expansion

8%

8.3

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

7.3
Reviews score
8.7
User score
7.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Score components:

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

8.0
CPU socket
LGA 1200
This motherboard uses LGA 1200, which is less up-to-date than 61.9% of Motherboards and the same as 8.8% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z490
This motherboard uses Intel Z490, which is less capable than 57.2% of Motherboards and as capable as 2.8% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort.
Show more
What reviewers say
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.1% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
4,666 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,666 MT/s, which is lower than that of 50% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.1% of motherboards.
maximum depends on CPU configuration
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
3
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.1% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4, which is faster than 68.3% of Motherboards and the same as 0.5% of Motherboards.
one slot requires 11th Gen CPU.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
3
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.7% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, which is more generous than 62.6% of Motherboards and the same as 12.4% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
17
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 17 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 71.3% of motherboards and equal to 10.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 33% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 82.1% of motherboards and equal to 17.7% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
also includes 1GbE secondary port
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8125BG + Realtek RTL8125B + Intel I219-V
This motherboard has a Realtek RTL8125BG + Realtek RTL8125B + Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is faster than 85.4% of Motherboards and equal to 0.5% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than 60.3% of Motherboards and the same as 11.2% of Motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1220, which is higher-end than 65.5% of Motherboards and the same as 12.9% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% of motherboards.
via ESS DAC.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
12+2+1
This motherboard has 12+2+1 VRM phases, which is more than 72.5% of motherboards and equal to 1.9% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
8
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Multiple pump-capable headers.
Pump header max current
3 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.2% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

ASRock Z490 Taichi vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125BG + Realtek RTL8125B + Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8125BG + Realtek RTL8125B + Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard 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 CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    Dr. Debug display.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 19.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 88% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    9.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (12)
    8 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.7 vs 7.3
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    Dr. Debug display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS button.
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1200 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151
  • Supports ECC memory
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard 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
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (17 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    17 vs 15
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard 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 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (5 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    5 vs 4
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125BG + Realtek RTL8125B + Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8125BG + Realtek RTL8125B + Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    via ESS DAC.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+2+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    12+2+1 vs 10
  • 1 more RGB headers
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    This motherboard 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.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z490 vs Intel B860
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
    x8/x8.
  • Noisier chipset cooling
    This motherboard uses noisier chipset cooling than the average motherboard (Active vs Passive).
    Active vs Passive
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    one slot requires 11th Gen CPU.
    1x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 93.3% more expensive
    ASRock Z490 Taichi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£290 vs £150).
    £290 vs £150
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.1 vs 5.4).
    5.1 vs 5.4
  • 9.3% lower sentiment score
    6.8 vs 7.5
  • 93.3% more expensive
    ASRock Z490 Taichi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£290 vs £150).
    £290 vs £150
  • 9.3% lower sentiment score
    6.8 vs 7.5
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z490 vs Intel B860
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    one slot requires 11th Gen CPU.
    1x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
    x8/x8.
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.1 vs 5.4).
    5.1 vs 5.4
  • Noisier chipset cooling
    This motherboard uses noisier chipset cooling than the average motherboard (Active vs Passive).
    Active vs Passive

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Level1Techs
≈ estimated
26/05/2020
Hands-on review · build, stress and overclocking tests
Verdict
ASRock Z490 Taichi is a well-built, stable board with many BIOS options and strong overclocking flexibility.
9.0
GGF Events
≈ estimated
20/05/2020
Hands-on review · VRM temperature and fan tests
Verdict
ASRock Z490 Taichi impressed overall with no issues, though it lacks 10-gigabit networking and a middle-tier board.
9.0
goldfries
≈ estimated
17/07/2020
Hands-on review · overclocking and temperature tests
Verdict
ASRock Z490 Taichi is a strong pick for the price, with a stable overclock, good build and useful features.
8.0
Vortez
≈ estimated
18/05/2020
First look · features and layout walkthrough
Verdict
ASRock Z490 Taichi is very capable, marred mainly by an awkward M.2 heatsink design.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Shop video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
techpowerup.com
✓ explicit
20/05/2020
Feature overview · Taichi board
Verdict
The ASRock Z490 Taichi is a Z490 board for 10th Gen Intel CPUs, with 14 power phases, 2.5 Gb/s LAN and built-in Wi-Fi 6.
9.0
pcper.com
≈ estimated
25/06/2020
Feature overview · Top-tier Z490 board
Verdict
The ASRock Z490 Taichi is ASRock's top conventional Z490 board, with 15 power phases, eight SATA ports and a 20 Gb/s rear USB-C port.
9.0
windowscentral.com
≈ estimated
18/03/2021
Hands-on review · Overclocking board
Verdict
The ASRock Z490 Taichi is a strong overclocking board with active VRM cooling and plenty of storage, though its default fan curve is loud and the board is pricey.
8.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
25/07/2020
Lab test · Benchmarks and power
Verdict
The ASRock Z490 Taichi is a great pick for its price bracket, with the coolest VRMs in testing and easy overclocking, but it idles high on power.
9.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
01/03/2021
Hands-on review · Audio and layout
Verdict
The ASRock Z490 Taichi is a well-made, good-value board for overclocking, though its rear audio jacks are poorly placed and may add noise.
8.0
hardwareluxx.de
≈ estimated
03/11/2020
Hands-on test · Overclocking and fan test
Verdict
The ASRock Z490 Taichi is a good pick for overclockers, with a strong power section and clear BIOS, though its VRM fan gets loud under load.
9.0
hardwarecooking.fr
≈ estimated
31/05/2020
Lab test · Overclocking results
Verdict
The ASRock Z490 Taichi is a strong overclocker that leads the group in Cinebench R15 and Fire Strike when auto-overclocked, though its temperatures are not the lowest.
8.0
tomshw.it
✓ explicit
24/05/2021
Lab test · Overclocking and storage
Verdict
The ASRock Z490 Taichi suits builds that need three M.2 slots and eight SATA ports; it overclocks easily, though it costs more than its Z390 version.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASRock Z490 Taichi

  • High-end feature set at a more competitive price than true flagship boards
  • Distinctive 'gear-themed' aesthetic with well-balanced RGB lighting
  • Robust 15-phase power delivery (VRM) capable of handling heavy overclocking
  • Excellent storage options including 8 SATA ports and 3 M.2 slots
  • Includes high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) Type-C port on rear I/O
  • Stable operation and user-friendly, feature-rich BIOS
  • Premium audio setup including an ESS Sabre9218 DAC for front I/O

What customers don't like about ASRock Z490 Taichi

  • Active VRM cooling fans can be loud under heavy load or high temperatures
  • Inconvenient M.2 heatsink design requires a proprietary Torx screwdriver (included)
  • CMOS battery is difficult to access, trapped beneath the chipset/M.2 shroud
  • Unusual middle placement of rear audio jacks may lead to cable routing issues
  • Lack of 5Gbps or 10Gbps Ethernet (limited to 2.5Gbps and 1Gbps)
  • Higher idle power consumption compared to some mid-range competitors
  • Missing dedicated rear 'Clear CMOS' button (placed internally instead)

Verdict

The ASRock Z490 Taichi is a high-end ATX motherboard designed for 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors, featuring a robust 15-phase Dr.MOS power design and an iconic industrial gear aesthetic. Key specifications include support for DDR4 memory up to 4666MHz+, three M.2 slots (with one PCIe 4.0 ready), eight SATA3 ports, and advanced connectivity such as Wi-Fi 6, 2.5G LAN, and a rare USB 3.2 Gen2x2 20Gb/s Type-C port. Main pros include its exceptional overclocking stability, active VRM cooling with triple fans, and a premium feature set that rivals more expensive flagship models at a lower price point. However, notable cons include the awkward placement of the CMOS battery beneath a complex heatsink shroud and potential fan noise from the VRM cooling under extreme loads.

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