ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming Review | 107 Data compared
OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
PROS/CONS
ALTERNATIVES

ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming Review | 107 Data compared

double-arrow
  • CPU socket: LGA 1200
  • Chipset: Intel Z490
  • Form factor: Mini-ITX

ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

6.8

Overall score

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

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

Score components:

90.0%

6.5

Technical Score

10.0%

9.4

User score

Good
6.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.

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

Score components:

19.0%

4.3

Memory

16.0%

8.4

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.3

Storage

15.0%

9.1

Network

13.0%

5.9

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.5

Expansion

8.0%

5.3

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.4

Audio

Good
9.4

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%

9.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
amazon
4.6
(1496)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(234)
amazon
4.3
(226)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(80)
Exceptional
  • 5.7
    Gaming

    What it is:

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.8

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    5.5

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10.0

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    5.5

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • asus-rog-strix-z490-i-gaming
asus-rog-strix-z490-i-gaming
asus-rog-strix-z490-i-gaming
asus-rog-strix-z490-i-gaming
asus-rog-strix-z490-i-gaming

Best prices

Best rankings

The first number in the "Best rankings" table above indicates the product's rank among all products in our database, while the second number (in brackets) represents its rank among available products only. | The "average product" rating mentioned below reflects the median values calculated across all attributes for products within this category.

Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.

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

Score components:

19.0%

4.3

Memory

16.0%

8.4

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.3

Storage

15.0%

9.1

Network

13.0%

5.9

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.5

Expansion

8.0%

5.3

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.4

Audio

6.5
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has a technical score of 6.46 points, which is higher than that of 50.6% 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%

9.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

9.4
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has a user score of 9.4 points, which is higher than that of 96.7% 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.
10.0
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 91.5% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.8

Overall score

40.0%

8.9

Price

7.4
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.4 points, which is higher than 47.3% 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: LOW

Asus
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
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming uses the LGA 1,200 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 61.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform
What it is: The processor platform supported by the motherboard, indicating compatibility with Intel or AMD processors.
When it matters: When choosing a motherboard to match your chosen processor brand (Intel or AMD).

Importance: LOW

Good value: Intel

Intel
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
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
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming uses the Intel Z490 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 56.6% 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: LOW

Mini-ITX
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% 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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=4

2
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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: LOW

2
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% 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: LOW

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

4800 MT/s
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming supports memory speeds up to 4,800 MT/s, which is higher than that of 51.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.1% 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

2
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.4% 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: MEDIUM

1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming offers 1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 61.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.9% 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: LOW

Good value: >=6

4
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 5.6% of motherboards and equal to 46.2% 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: LOW

0/1/5/10
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% 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: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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: LOW

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 0 PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and 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: LOW

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 0 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% 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: LOW

1
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 1 PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% 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: LOW

x16
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming uses x16 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 81% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.1% 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: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
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: HIGH

Good value: >=8

8
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.2% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% 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

13
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 13 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 65% of motherboards and equal to 7.6% 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
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% 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: LOW

Good value: >=2

2
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% 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: LOW

Good value: >=1

0
10Gbps excluded.
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
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
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel I225-V
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming uses the Intel I225-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 90.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.2% 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: MEDIUM

1
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% 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: HIGH

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

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 60.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.6% 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

SupremeFX S1220A
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming uses the SupremeFX S1,220A audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 86.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.4% 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
full 7.1 needs front panel audio.
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
full 7.1 needs front panel audio.
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: LOW

Good value: >=120 dB

120 dB
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 56% of motherboards and equal to that of 40.5% 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

Good value: yes

yes
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on rear port.
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
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 3 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 50.4% of motherboards and equal to 38.1% 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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=12

8+2
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 8+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 57.4% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% 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: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.5% of motherboards and 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: LOW

Good value: >=6

3
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has 3 fan headers, which is fewer than 77.1% of motherboards and equal to 14.8% 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: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has a pump header. 21.9% 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

1 A
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming supports up to 1 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 56.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 19.7% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming vs the average motherboard

  • more advanced LAN controller
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek 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

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 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

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.3 vs 1
  • better audio codec
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has better audio codec than the average motherboard (SupremeFX S1,220A vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 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

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has better audio codec than the average motherboard (SupremeFX S1,220A vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.SupremeFX S1220A vs Realtek ALC897
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
    What it is: Shows whether the rear I/O shield comes pre-mounted on the motherboard instead of being installed separately.
    When it matters: When you want an easier motherboard installation process.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster rear USB-C connectivity.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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.
    What it is: The number of internal USB 3.2 Gen2 headers for front-panel USB-C ports.
    When it matters: When your case includes front USB-C connectivity.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.1 vs 0
  • Supports Bluetooth
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% 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

    Good value: yes

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 135 mm shorter
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.170 mm vs 305 mm
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • newer CPU socket
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • more advanced LAN controller
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • newer Wi-Fi standard
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
  • better audio codec
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has better audio codec than the average motherboard (SupremeFX S1,220A vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 135 mm shorter
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
  • 74 mm narrower
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming is narrower than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • more basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • less versatile form factor
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (Mini-ITX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
  • No TPM connector
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 88% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
    Firmware TPM/PTT only.
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • No multi-GPU support
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • 2 fewer total USB connections
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (13 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • older HDMI version
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (2.0 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • older Bluetooth version
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.1 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • 2 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (3 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
  • more basic chipset cooling
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has more basic chipset cooling than the average motherboard (Active vs Passive). The average motherboard uses Passive chipset cooling.
  • 2.5 fewer fan headers
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • 1 A lower pump header current limit
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (1 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
  • more basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 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: MEDIUM

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot interfaces.1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=4

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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
  • less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
    When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • more basic chipset cooling
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has more basic chipset cooling than the average motherboard (Active 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

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has more basic chipset cooling than the average motherboard (Active vs Passive). The average motherboard uses Passive chipset cooling.Active vs Passive
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more standard USB ports with faster transfer speeds.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=4

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.2 vs 4
  • No multi-GPU support
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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

    Good value: yes

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming 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

Graphic comparison of ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming and other products in the Motherboards category

Attribute category
Attribute

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.

Pros

  • Many USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (3)
  • High LAN speed (2.5 Gbps)
  • Reliable LAN controller (Intel I225-V)
  • Quality audio codec (SupremeFX S1,220A)
  • Modern Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax))
  • Advanced motherboard chipset (Intel Z490)
  • Many M.2 sockets (2)
  • NVMe RAID support
  • Many rear USB ports (8)
  • Integrated I/O shield

Cons

  • Few memory slots (2)
  • Low maximum memory capacity (64 GB)
  • Limited M.2 slot interfaces (1)
  • Few total USB connections (13)
  • Limited PCIe lane configuration (x16)
  • Few fan headers (3)
  • Basic chipset cooling (Active)
  • Basic VRM design (8)
  • Old CPU socket (LGA 1,200)
  • Few USB 2.0 headers (1)

Third-party reviews

4.6
1496 Reviews
4.4
234 Reviews
4.3
226 Reviews
4.2
80 Reviews

gigabyte-z590i-aorus-ultra
GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra

Motherboards

6.8
asus-rog-strix-z590-i-gaming-wifi
ASUS ROG Strix Z590 I Gaming WiFi

Motherboards

6.8
msi-meg-z490i-unify
MSI MEG Z490I Unify

Motherboards

6.3
msi-meg-z590i-unify
MSI MEG Z590I Unify

Motherboards

6.7
asrock-z490-phantom-gaming-itx-tb3
ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming ITX TB3

Motherboards

6.3
gigabyte-z590i-vision-d
GIGABYTE Z590I Vision D

Motherboards

6.7
asrock-z490m-itx-ac
ASRock Z490M ITX AC

Motherboards

6.2
gigabyte-b560i-aorus-pro-ax
GIGABYTE B560I AORUS Pro AX

Motherboards

6.3
gigabyte-z490i-aorus-ultra
GIGABYTE Z490I AORUS Ultra

Motherboards

6.5
biostar-z590i-valkyrie
BIOSTAR Z590I Valkyrie

Motherboards

6.5
asus-rog-strix-b560-i-gaming-wifi
ASUS ROG Strix B560 I Gaming WiFi

Motherboards

6.5
msi-mpg-b560i-gaming-edge-wifi
MSI MPG B560I Gaming Edge WiFi

Motherboards

6.2

Compare ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming with other products in the Motherboards category

VS
VS

Compare