OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v1.0

ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£300CPU socket:LGA 1200Chipset:Intel Z490Form 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.

ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 53% of models
Score components

90%

6.5

Technical score

10%

9.4

User score

â–²Better than 53% of motherboards
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 52%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

19%

4.3

Memory

16%

8.4

Platform & Features

16%

6.3

Storage

15%

9.1

Network

13%

5.9

Ports & USB

8%

3.5

Expansion

8%

5.3

Power & Cooling

5%

9.4

Audio

â–²Better than 50%
9.4

User score

User score
9.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 97%
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Where to buy
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Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components:

19%

4.3

Memory

16%

8.4

Platform & Features

16%

6.3

Storage

15%

9.1

Network

13%

5.9

Ports & USB

8%

3.5

Expansion

8%

5.3

Power & Cooling

5%

9.4

Audio

6.5
User score
User score
9.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.4
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Popularity:
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.5% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

7.4
Brand name
Asus
CPU socket
LGA 1200
This motherboard uses the LGA 1200 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 61.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
This motherboard 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
Intel Z490
This motherboard 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
Mini-ITX
This motherboard 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
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.6% of motherboards and equal to 21.4% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 62.6% of motherboards and equal to 24.3% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
4,800 MT/s
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard 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
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard 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
1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/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
4
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 5.6% of motherboards and equal to 46.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard 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
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16
This motherboard 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
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.2% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
13
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard 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)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard 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)
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 32.9% 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 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
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 49.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Intel I225-V
This motherboard 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
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 6 (802.11ax)
This motherboard 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
SupremeFX S1220A
This motherboard uses the SupremeFX S1220A audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 86.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.4% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard 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
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard 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
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% 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 fewer than 50.4% of motherboards and equal to 38.1% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
8+2
This motherboard 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
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.5% of motherboards and equal to 54.5% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
3
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 3 fan headers, which is fewer than 77.1% of motherboards and equal to 14.8% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
1 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard 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

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More advanced LAN controller
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (SupremeFX S1220A vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    SupremeFX S1220A vs Realtek ALC897
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 135 mm shorter
    This motherboard is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    170 mm vs 305 mm
  • 17.5% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming
    the average motherboard
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming has a higher user score than the average motherboard (9.40 vs 8.000).
    9.4 vs 8
  • 59.7% more popular
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming is more popular than the average motherboard (10 vs 6.3).
    10 vs 6.26
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Newer CPU socket
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1200 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard 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
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more 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 advanced LAN controller
    This motherboard 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
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard 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.
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Better audio codec
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (SupremeFX S1220A vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    SupremeFX S1220A 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
  • 135 mm shorter
    This motherboard is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    170 mm vs 305 mm
  • 74 mm narrower
    This motherboard is narrower than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    170 mm vs 244 mm
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Single PCIe x16 slot only.
  • 87.5% more expensive
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming is more expensive than the average motherboard (£300 vs £160).
    £300 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    This motherboard 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
  • Less versatile form factor
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (Mini-ITX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    Mini-ITX vs ATX
  • No TPM connector
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    This motherboard 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
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard 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
  • 2 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (13 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    13 vs 15
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    1 vs 2
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    This motherboard has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • Older HDMI version
    This motherboard has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (2 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    2.0 vs 2.1
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.1 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    5.1 vs 5.4
  • 2 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (3 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    3 vs 5
  • More basic chipset cooling
    This motherboard has more basic chipset cooling than the average motherboard (Active vs Passive). The average motherboard uses Passive chipset cooling.
    Active vs Passive
  • 2.5 fewer fan headers
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    3 vs 5.5
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    1 vs 2
  • 1 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard 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.
    1 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

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

9.0
PCWizKids Tech Talk
≈ estimated
20/03/2021
Hands-on review · overclocking, temperatures and benchmarks
Verdict
ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming runs cool and gives good headroom for a strong CPU overclock in a compact, premium build.
8.0
TheTanelChannel
≈ estimated
10/08/2020
Hands-on review · build fit, features and BIOS
Verdict
ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming is fine for its price and a solid mini-ITX pick, though the missing optical output is a clear letdown.
7.0
Gear Seekers
≈ estimated
17/06/2020
First look · overview of box contents and layout
Verdict
ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming is an interesting board with many features, but its cost and complexity may suit experienced builders.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming

  • Excellent power delivery (8+2 phase design) capable of handling high-end 10th Gen Intel CPUs and overclocking
  • Dual M.2 slots (one on a daughterboard and one on the rear) for flexible storage in a small form factor
  • Robust connectivity including Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and 2.5Gb Ethernet
  • Innovative daughterboard/mezzanine card design to maximize space on the mini-ITX PCB
  • Active cooling for the VRM with a built-in 40mm fan
  • Support for double-capacity RAM modules (up to 64GB across two slots)
  • User-friendly UEFI BIOS with BIOS Flashback support for easy updates without a CPU

What we don't like about ASUS ROG Strix Z490 I Gaming

  • Lack of native PCIe 4.0 support, which limits future-proofing compared to newer chipsets or AMD alternatives
  • Premium price point (often cited as having a 'ROG tax') compared to competing mini-ITX boards
  • The VRM fan can be quite loud when running at high RPMs under heavy stress loads
  • Accessing the top M.2 slot requires removing a large plastic shroud/heat spreader, which can be cumbersome
  • Reports of a specific production run having issues with dual-stick RAM overclocking (XMP instability)
  • The Intel I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet controller has had documented driver and stability issues for some users

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming is a premium mini-ITX motherboard designed for 10th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1200 socket. It features a robust 8+2 power stage design with ProCool II connectors, supporting high-performance overclocking and up to 64GB of DDR4 memory at speeds exceeding 4800MHz (OC). Key characteristics include a space-saving 'Triple-decker Heatsink' for dual M.2 slots and the PCH, alongside advanced connectivity like WiFi 6 (AX201), Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, and SupremeFX S1220A audio. Main pros include its exceptional power delivery for its size, innovative cooling solutions, and comprehensive I/O for a small form factor build. Cons include the lack of PCIe 4.0 support for future-proofing and limited internal headers due to the compact ITX footprint.

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