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ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£620
  • Avg. price in US: ~$800
  • CPU socket: LGA 1851
  • Chipset: Intel Z890
  • Form factor: E-ATX

ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

8.6

Overall score

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

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

Score components:

90.0%

8.6

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Excellent
8.6

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%

9.8

Memory

16.0%

9.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

7.4

Storage

15.0%

10

Network

13.0%

6.7

Ports & USB

8.0%

6.2

Expansion

8.0%

8.8

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.9

Audio

Excellent
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 10
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.9

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    10

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    10

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    10

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua is a flagship E-ATX motherboard designed for Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors on the LGA 1851 socket, featuring a massive 28+1+2+1+1 power phase design with 110A SPS for extreme overclocking. Its standout characteristics include a unique hybrid cooling system with detachable Alphacool water blocks for the VRM and primary M.2 slot, alongside an industry-first rear I/O consisting entirely of 10 USB Type-C ports (including two Thunderbolt 4). Main pros include support for ultra-fast DDR5-9600+ (OC) memory, dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, extensive storage with six M.2 sockets (two PCIe 5.0), and top-tier networking via 10GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 7. However, its premium pricing makes it a significant investment, and the lack of native USB Type-A ports on the rear may require users to rely on adapters for older peripherals.

Technical Specifications of ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

19.0%

?

Memory

16.0%

?

Platform & Features

16.0%

?

Storage

15.0%

?

Network

13.0%

?

Ports & USB

8.0%

?

Expansion

8.0%

?

Power & Cooling

5.0%

?

Audio

8.6
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has a technical score of 8.58 points, which is higher than that of 90.8% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 77.9% 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%

8.6

Overall score

40.0%

7.2

Price

8.2
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.2 points, which is higher than 76.3% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1851
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua uses the LGA 1851 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 77.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.1% 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 Z890
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua uses the Intel Z890 chipset, which is more advanced than that of 94.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.8% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

E-ATX
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has the E-ATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 92% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.8% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR5
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua uses DDR5 memory, which is newer than that of 64.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 35.3% 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 Z890 Taichi Aqua has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

256 GB
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 82.8% of motherboards and equal to 16.5% 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 Z890 Taichi Aqua supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

9,600 MT/s
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua supports memory speeds up to 9600 MT/s, which is higher than that of 99.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.5% of motherboards.
Show more
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

6
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has 6 M.2 sockets, which is more than 99.1% of motherboards and equal to 0.7% 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

?
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 Z890 Taichi Aqua 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 Z890 Taichi Aqua 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 Z890 Taichi Aqua supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
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

2
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has 2 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 95.2% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% 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

1
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.3% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
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

0
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.5% of motherboards and equal to 40.5% 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, x8/x8
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, x8/x8 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 68.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.3% 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 Z890 Taichi Aqua 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

10
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.6% of motherboards and equal to 15.7% of motherboards.
includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

20
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has 20 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 92.1% of motherboards and equal to 2.9% 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

10
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has 10 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 100% 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

12
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has 12 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 100% 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 Z890 Taichi Aqua 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

10 Gbps
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua supports LAN speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is higher than that of 95.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.2% of motherboards.
also includes 5GbE secondary port
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Realtek RTL8126
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua uses the Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Realtek RTL8126 LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 98.5% of motherboards.
dual LAN
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

2
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua supports Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which is newer than that of 88.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.3% 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 ALC4082
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua uses the Realtek ALC4082 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 96.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.1% of motherboards.
with ESS DAC.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

5.1
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua offers 5.1 audio channels, which is fewer than 95.1% of motherboards and equal to 4.2% of motherboards.
surround needs jack retasking.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

130 dB
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has an audio SNR of 130 dB, which is higher than that of 98% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.8% of motherboards.
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 Z890 Taichi Aqua supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

2
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has 2 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 88.6% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% 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

28+1+2+1+1
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has 28+1+2+1+1 VRM phases, which is more than 99.9% 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 Z890 Taichi Aqua has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.2% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

3 A
ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 76.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.2% of motherboards.
Show more

ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua vs the average motherboard

  • 4 more M.2 sockets
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (6 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 Z890 Taichi Aqua has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (6 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.6 vs 2
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 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 Z890 Taichi Aqua has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.256 GB vs 128 GB
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,851 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 Z890 Taichi Aqua has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,851 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.LGA 1851 vs LGA 1151
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    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

    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.2 vs 0
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    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

    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR5 vs DDR4
  • More VRM phases
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (28+1+2+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    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

    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (28+1+2+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.28+1+2+1+1 vs 10
  • 9 more rear USB-C ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.10 vs 1
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.10 vs 8
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,851 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Better motherboard chipset
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has better motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z890 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • Includes onboard power button
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 2.09x higher maximum RAM speed
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (9,600 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 94.6% higher overclocked RAM speed
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (9,600 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
  • 4 more M.2 sockets
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (6 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, x8/x8 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 9 more rear USB-C ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
  • 5 more total USB connections
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (20 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 11 more total USB-C connections
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (12 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
  • 2 more USB4 40Gbps ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more USB4 40Gbps ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 40Gbps port/s.
  • 2 more Thunderbolt 3 ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more Thunderbolt 3 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 3 port/s.
  • 2 more Thunderbolt 4 ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more Thunderbolt 4 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 4 port/s.
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 header/s.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4,082 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 15 dB higher audio SNR
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (130 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • More VRM phases
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (28+1+2+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 3 more fan headers
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.

Total
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • Narrower Windows support
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 11 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • 3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
  • Fewer audio channels
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer audio channels than the average motherboard (5.1 vs 7.1). The average motherboard has 7.1 audio channel/s.
    surround needs jack retasking.
  • No rear line-out
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua does not have rear line-out, while the average motherboard does. 99.4% of motherboards include rear line-out.
  • More basic chipset cooling
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more basic chipset cooling than the average motherboard (liquid vs Passive). The average motherboard uses Passive chipset cooling.
  • 61 mm wider
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua is wider than the average motherboard (305 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 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 Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.0 vs 4
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 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 Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.0 vs 1
  • More basic chipset cooling
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more basic chipset cooling than the average motherboard (liquid vs Passive). The average motherboard uses Passive chipset cooling.
    What it is: The cooling method used for the motherboard chipset, such as passive or active cooling.
    When it matters: When chipset noise or thermal behavior matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has more basic chipset cooling than the average motherboard (liquid vs Passive). The average motherboard uses Passive chipset cooling.liquid vs Passive
  • 3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 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

    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.2 vs 5
  • Fewer audio channels
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer audio channels than the average motherboard (5.1 vs 7.1). The average motherboard has 7.1 audio channel/s.
    surround needs jack retasking.
    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

    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer audio channels than the average motherboard (5.1 vs 7.1). The average motherboard has 7.1 audio channel/s.5.1 vs 7.1
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    What it is: The number of DisplayPort video outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect compatible displays through the rear I/O.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.0 vs 1
  • 3.88x more expensive
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua is more expensive than the average motherboard (£620 vs £160).
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua is more expensive than the average motherboard (£620 vs £160).£620 vs £160
  • 4.17x less popular
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua is less popular than the average motherboard (1.00 vs 4.165).
    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.
    ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua is less popular than the average motherboard (1.00 vs 4.165).1 vs 4.17
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Expansion
Ports & USB
Audio
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua?

  • Innovative hybrid cooling design with detachable water blocks for VRM and M.2 storage
  • Future-proof connectivity featuring 10 rear USB Type-C ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 slots
  • Exceptional storage capacity with six M.2 slots, including support for ultra-fast PCIe Gen5 speeds
  • Robust 28+1+2+1+1 power phase design with 110A SPS, providing stable power for extreme overclocking
  • High-end networking capabilities with 10GbE and 5GbE LAN ports plus the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support
  • User-friendly DIY features like toolless M.2 and GPU release mechanisms
  • Premium aesthetics with a sleek white/silver PCB and high-quality backplate

What customers dislike about ASRock Z890 Taichi Aqua?

  • Lack of rear USB Type-A ports may require the use of adapters or dongles for many existing peripherals
  • Premium price point makes it significantly more expensive than standard Z890 motherboards
  • Extended ATX (E-ATX) form factor might not fit in smaller or standard mid-tower cases
  • The extreme feature set (like hybrid liquid cooling) may be considered overkill for casual or non-enthusiast users
  • Physical weight is noted as being quite heavy compared to other high-end boards
  • Some users reported BIOS issues with certain USB-C displays on earlier firmware versions

Video reviews

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