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ASRock Z490M ITX AC Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£220
  • Avg. price in US: ~$160
  • CPU socket: LGA 1200
  • Chipset: Intel Z490
  • Form factor: Mini-ITX

ASRock Z490M ITX AC review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

5.9

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%

5.7

Technical Score

10.0%

8.0

User score

Good
5.7

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%

4.2

Memory

16.0%

6.6

Platform & Features

16.0%

5.9

Storage

15.0%

8.7

Network

13.0%

4.6

Ports & USB

8.0%

2.7

Expansion

8.0%

5.5

Power & Cooling

5.0%

7.2

Audio

Good
8.0

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%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

5.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(116)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(116)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 5.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.2

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    5.5

    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 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 Z490M-ITX/ac is a compact Mini-ITX motherboard featuring the Intel Z490 chipset and LGA 1200 socket, specifically designed for 10th Gen Intel Core processors. Key specifications include an 8-phase power design, two DDR4 slots supporting overclocked speeds up to 4400MHz+, and dual Ultra M.2 slots (one PCIe/SATA, one PCIe-only) with integrated heatsinks. It excels in connectivity with dual LAN ports—one being a high-speed 2.5G Dragon LAN—and built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. Main pros include its surprisingly robust networking options for its size, feature-rich BIOS, and support for non-K CPU overclocking via Base Frequency Boost technology. However, its small VRM heatsinks make it less ideal for heavy overclocking of high-end i7 or i9 K-series models, and it is limited by older HDMI 1.4 and Bluetooth 4.2 standards.

Technical Specifications of ASRock Z490M ITX AC

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%

4.2

Memory

16.0%

6.6

Platform & Features

16.0%

5.9

Storage

15.0%

8.7

Network

13.0%

4.6

Ports & USB

8.0%

2.7

Expansion

8.0%

5.5

Power & Cooling

5.0%

7.2

Audio

5.7
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has a technical score of 5.72 points, which is lower than that of 63.8% 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%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

5.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(116)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(116)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.0
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has a user score of 7.99 points, which is lower than that of 53.2% 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.
5.6
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has a popularity of 5.6 points, which is higher than 59.9% 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%

5.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

7.0
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is lower than 62.2% 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 Z490M ITX AC 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 Z490M ITX AC 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

Mini-ITX
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has the Mini-ITX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 84.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.3% 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 Z490M ITX AC 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

2
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.6% of motherboards and equal to 21.4% 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

64 GB
ASRock Z490M ITX AC supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 62.6% of motherboards and equal to 24.3% 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 Z490M ITX AC 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 Z490M ITX AC 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

2
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.6% 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/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
ASRock Z490M ITX AC offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 63.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.3% 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

4
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 5.6% of motherboards and equal to 46.3% 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 Z490M ITX AC supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
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 Z490M ITX AC supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST support
Show more
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 Z490M ITX AC 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 Z490M ITX AC 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

1
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 26.7% 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
ASRock Z490M ITX AC uses x16 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 86.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.3% 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 Z490M ITX AC supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8, x8/x4/x4.
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

8
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.3% of motherboards and equal to 30.7% 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

10
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has 10 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 92.1% of motherboards and equal to 5.6% 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 Z490M ITX AC 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

1
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 21.3% 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 Z490M ITX AC has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
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

2.5 Gbps
ASRock Z490M ITX AC 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.
also includes 1GbE 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

Realtek RTL8125BG + Realtek RTL8125B + Intel I219-V
ASRock Z490M ITX AC uses the Realtek RTL8125BG + Realtek RTL8125B + Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 79.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.7% 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

2
ASRock Z490M ITX AC 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 Z490M ITX AC 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 5 (802.11ac)
ASRock Z490M ITX AC supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than that of 49.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.7% 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 ALC1200
ASRock Z490M ITX AC 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.
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 Z490M ITX AC 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 Z490M ITX AC 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

no
ASRock Z490M ITX AC does not support a headphone amp. 63% 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

3
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has 3 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 50.3% of motherboards and equal to 38.2% 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

8
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has 8 VRM phases, which is fewer than 71.9% of motherboards and equal to 6.3% 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

1
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has 1 CPU power connectors, which is equal to 54.5% 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

3
ASRock Z490M ITX AC has 3 fan headers, which is fewer than 76.7% of motherboards and equal to 15% 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 Z490M ITX AC 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 Z490M ITX AC 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.
Show more

ASRock Z490M ITX AC vs the average motherboard

  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 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 Z490M ITX AC has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.4 vs 1
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC 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 Z490M ITX AC has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.2 vs 1
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support 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

    ASRock Z490M ITX AC supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C port/s.1 vs 0
  • Supports ECC memory
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can work with ECC memory on supported CPU and platform combinations.
    When it matters: When stability and error correction matter in your system.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASRock Z490M ITX AC supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes built-in Bluetooth for wireless peripherals and accessories.
    When it matters: When you want to connect wireless peripherals without an adapter.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z490M ITX AC supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 135 mm shorter
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    What it is: The physical height of the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you check case fit or compare board size.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z490M ITX AC is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.170 mm vs 305 mm
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 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

    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.LGA 1200 vs LGA 1151
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Supports ECC memory
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C port/s.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1,200 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 135 mm shorter
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
  • 74 mm narrower
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC is narrower than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.

Total
Platform & Features
Memory
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC 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 Z490M ITX AC does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No debug LED indicators
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.8% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • No automatic overclocking
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC does not support automatic overclocking, while the average motherboard does. 74% of motherboards support automatic overclocking.
  • No TPM connector
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • 36.2% lower maximum RAM speed
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC 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 Z490M ITX AC has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 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 multi-GPU support
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Single PCIe x16 slot only.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 5 fewer total USB connections
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 3 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC 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 Z490M ITX AC has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • No headphone amp support
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 63% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 2 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (3 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
  • 5 dB lower audio SNR
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (110 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.7% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (8 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 2 fewer fan headers
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC 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 Z490M ITX AC 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 Z490M ITX AC has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 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 Z490M ITX AC has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 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/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    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

    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.2 vs 4
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    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

    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 5 fewer total USB connections
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    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

    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.10 vs 15
  • No BIOS flashback support
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    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 Z490M ITX AC does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • 3 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (1 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 Z490M ITX AC has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.1 vs 4
  • No multi-GPU support
    ASRock Z490M ITX AC does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Single PCIe x16 slot only.
    What it is: Shows whether the board can run more than one graphics card in a supported multi-GPU configuration.
    When it matters: When you plan to run more than one graphics card.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z490M ITX AC does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
116 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
116 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASRock Z490M ITX AC?

  • Excellent value for a Z490 ITX board, often priced under $200
  • Solid performance for mid-range CPUs like the Intel Core i5-10600K
  • Includes dual LAN ports (2.5GbE and 1GbE) and built-in Wi-Fi 5/Bluetooth
  • Dual M.2 slots both equipped with heatsinks
  • No CNVi whitelist on the Wi-Fi slot, making it popular for Hackintosh builds
  • Feature-rich BIOS and support for BCLK boosting on non-K CPUs

What customers dislike about ASRock Z490M ITX AC?

  • VRM design is relatively weak, making it unsuitable for heavy overclocking on i7 or i9 processors
  • Lack of onboard VRM temperature sensors can make monitoring difficult during stress tests
  • The VRM heatsinks are small, which may lead to thermal throttling under extreme loads
  • Does not include an internal USB-C front panel header
  • Limited rear I/O with only six total USB ports

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