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 Z790 Riptide WiFi review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£250CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z790Form factor:ATX

ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 10 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

8.1/10

Overall score

Score
8.1/ 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
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

40%

8.2

Technical score

20%

8.6

Reviews score

20%

?

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

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

8.5

User score

★Better than 90% of motherboards
8.4

Value for money

Value for money
8.4/ 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 88% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–²Better than 88%
8.2

Technical score

Technical score
8.2/ 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 88% of models
Score components

19%

8.6

Memory

16%

8.5

Platform

16%

9.3

Storage

15%

8.4

Network

13%

6.3

Ports

8%

6.3

Expansion

8%

8.9

Power & Cooling

5%

9.0

Audio

â–²Better than 88%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 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 78% of models

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

9.1

Popularity

Grades by review (10)
6 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 1 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 78%
8.5

User score

User score
8.5/ 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–² Better than 55% of models

70%

9.0

Rating

30%

7.4

Popularity

â–²Better than 55%
?

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
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £250
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 Z790 Riptide WiFi

Based on 6 · 4

Reviewers praise the strong Wi-Fi and Bluetooth but complain about the USB ports and build quality; M.2 heatsinks divide opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi

Technical score
Technical score
8.2/ 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 88% of models
Score components:

19%

8.6

Memory

16%

8.5

Platform

16%

9.3

Storage

15%

8.4

Network

13%

6.3

Ports

8%

6.3

Expansion

8%

8.9

Power & Cooling

5%

9.0

Audio

8.2
Reviews score
8.6
User score
8.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.4/ 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 88% of models
Score components:

70%

8.1

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

8.4
CPU socket
LGA 1700
This motherboard uses LGA 1700, which is more up-to-date than 54.7% of Motherboards and the same as 22.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z790
This motherboard uses Intel Z790, which is more capable than 77% of Motherboards and as capable as 6.3% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
DDR memory version
DDR5
This motherboard uses DDR5, which is more modern than 63.8% of Motherboards and the same as 36.2% 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
192 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 192 GB of memory, which is more than 72% of motherboards and equal to 10.4% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
4,800 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,800 MT/s, which is higher than that of 51.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.1% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of M.2 sockets
5
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 5 M.2 sockets, which is more than 94.8% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 4x PCIe 4.0 x4
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 4x PCIe 4.0x4, which is faster than 97.7% of Motherboards and the same as 1% of Motherboards.
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
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.4% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.7% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x0/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, x8/x0/x4, which is more generous than 61.9% of Motherboards and the same as 0.2% of Motherboards.
Depends on slot/M.2 population.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
9
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 9 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 70.9% of motherboards and equal to 4.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
22
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 22 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 97.2% of motherboards and equal to 1.4% 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)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
header only excluded.
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.
LAN controller
Killer E3100G
This motherboard has a Killer E3100G LAN controller, which is faster than 49.1% of Motherboards and equal to 1.5% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which is newer than 88.2% of Motherboards and the same as 11.8% 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.
full 7.1 needs front panel audio.
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.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on rear port.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
3
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 11.3% of motherboards and equal to 39.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
16+1+1
This motherboard has 16+1+1 VRM phases, which is more than 87.3% of motherboards and equal to 1.1% 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
7
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 7 fan headers, which is more than 72.4% of motherboards and equal to 9.8% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.6% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    5 vs 2
  • 1 more top-speed NVMe slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0).
    1 vs 0
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • 7 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (22 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    22 vs 15
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16+1+1 vs 10
  • 17.8% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 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 78% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    9.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (10)
    6 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 1 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.
    8.6 vs 7.3
  • 9.2% better value for money
    ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.41 vs 7.7).
    8.41 vs 7.7
  • 14.9% higher user score
    User score
    8.5/ 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–² Better than 55% of models

    70%

    9.0

    Rating

    30%

    7.4

    Popularity

    8.5 vs 7.4
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • 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.
    Flexible integrated I/O shield.
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 50% more maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (192 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    192 GB vs 128 GB
  • 60% higher overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (8,000 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    8,000 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    5 vs 2
  • 1 more top-speed NVMe slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0).
    1 vs 0
  • 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
  • Faster NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has faster M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 5x4, 4x PCIe 4x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 5.0x4, 4x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 7 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (22 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    22 vs 15
  • 1 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (9 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    9 vs 8
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports
    This motherboard 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
  • 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
  • 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.
    20Gbps Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • 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
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E3100G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Killer E3100G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 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.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16+1+1 vs 10
  • 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
  • 1.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    7 vs 5.5
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    This motherboard has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • 66.7% more expensive
    ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£250 vs £150).
    £250 vs £150
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 66.7% more expensive
    ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£250 vs £150).
    £250 vs £150
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

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

8.0
Kleo Yan
≈ estimated
11/11/2023
Hands-on review · layout, ports and M.2 rattle fix
Verdict
The ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi has a superb layout and plenty of fan headers, though an empty M.2 slot rattles until fixed with a thermal pad.
8.0
Level1Techs
≈ estimated
20/10/2023
Hands-on review · memory and power tests
Verdict
The ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi is a solid upper-midrange board that suits i5 and i7 builds best and runs i9 chips competently.
9.0
Tech Man Pat
≈ estimated
04/01/2024
Overview · unboxing and feature tour · some hands-on testing
Verdict
The ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi is feature-packed at a compelling price, though its PCB thickness is the one thing to change.
8.0
Christopher Flannigan
≈ estimated
19/10/2023
First look · unboxing and feature tour
Verdict
The ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi is a solid refresh with Wi-Fi 7 and 14th gen support built in, though pricing was still unknown.
Overview video
Brand video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.2
pcgamer.com
✓ explicit
28/10/2023
Hands-on test · Budget Z790 board
Verdict
The ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi is a well-priced board for storage-heavy builds, with five M.2 slots and WiFi 7, though its power-section heatsinks run warm.
8.9
thefpsreview.com
✓ explicit
04/12/2023
Lab test · Mid-range Z790 board
Verdict
The ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi is a solid mid-range board for storage-heavy builds, but sharing its PCIe 5.0 graphics slot with the top M.2 drive limits it.
7.0
pcinq.com
≈ estimated
11/06/2024
Lab test · Overclocking check
Verdict
The ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi offers five M.2 slots and fast Wi-Fi, but its automatic voltage boosting makes it a poor CPU overclocker.
8.9
back2gaming.com
✓ explicit
29/12/2023
Hands-on review · Z790 refresh board
Verdict
The ASRock Phantom Gaming Z790 Riptide WiFi is a sensible pick for a Z790 refresh build, with WiFi 7 and capable power, but older boards make value harder to judge.
9.0
ginjfo.com
✓ explicit
31/10/2023
Lab test · Gaming and storage
Verdict
The ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi reaches 190 to 303fps at Full HD with an RTX 4090, but its Gen 5 M.2 drive throttles hard under heat.
8.4
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
29/10/2023
Feature review · Wi-Fi 7 board
Verdict
The ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi adds built-in Wi-Fi 7 and five M.2 slots, but its rear panel has only four 10Gbps USB ports.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi

  • Excellent value for a Z790 platform, often described as 'best bang for buck' in its price range.
  • Native support for Intel 14th Gen processors out of the box, along with 12th and 13th Gen.
  • High-speed connectivity including built-in WiFi 7 and 2.5 GbE Killer Ethernet.
  • Generous storage options with five M.2 slots (including one PCIe Gen 5) and eight SATA ports.
  • User-friendly BIOS that is easy to navigate and simple to update.
  • Convenient tool-less installation for the primary 'Blazing' M.2 heatsink.
  • Robust 16+1+1 power phase design suitable for stable performance and moderate overclocking.
  • Support for high-speed DDR5 memory, capable of reaching up to 8000MHz+ (OC).

What customers don't like about ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi

  • Using the primary PCIe Gen 5 M.2 slot reduces the main graphics card slot bandwidth to x8.
  • Limited high-speed USB ports on the rear I/O, with only one 5Gbps Type-C port instead of 10 or 20Gbps.
  • Some users reported audio driver issues or non-functioning audio jacks requiring BIOS tweaks.
  • Thermal throttling can occur under extreme overclocking due to aggressive auto-voltage settings in some BIOS versions.
  • Minor build quality complaints, such as a slightly loose integrated I/O shield on some units.
  • The included WiFi antenna is described by some users as feeling flimsy or unstable at the base.
  • Lack of an optical S/PDIF output for users with older high-end audio equipment.

Verdict

The ASRock Z790 Riptide WiFi is an ATX motherboard for Intel LGA 1700 processors, featuring a robust 16+1+1 phase power design with 90A Smart Power Stages and support for DDR5 memory overclocked up to 8000+ MHz. Its standout characteristics include cutting-edge WiFi 7 connectivity, a Killer 2.5G LAN, and an extensive storage layout consisting of one PCIe 5.0 Blazing M.2 slot, four Hyper PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, and eight SATA3 ports. Major pros include its high-end networking, toolless M.2 heatsink installation, and a unique eDisplayPort for internal case monitors. However, notable cons include the primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot being downgraded to x8 mode if the Gen5 M.2 slot is occupied, and a relatively slow 5Gbps rear USB-C port compared to more expensive competitors.

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