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Maxsun Terminator Z890 A Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£210
  • Avg. price in US: ~$210
  • CPU socket: LGA 1851
  • Chipset: Intel Z890
  • Form factor: ATX

Maxsun Terminator Z890 A review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

8.4

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%

8.4

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Excellent
8.4

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%

9.7

Memory

16.0%

8.9

Platform & Features

16.0%

9.0

Storage

15.0%

9.2

Network

13.0%

5.5

Ports & USB

8.0%

6.2

Expansion

8.0%

8.0

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.6

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

  • 8.6
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.4

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    10

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    7.8

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    10

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £210

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Maxsun Terminator Z890-A is a budget-oriented ATX motherboard featuring the Intel Z890 chipset and LGA1851 socket, designed for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors. It supports up to 256GB of dual-channel DDR5 memory with overclocked speeds reaching 8800MHz and provides modern expansion through one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4 mode) slot, and four M.2 NVMe sockets, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 interface. Key pros include high-speed 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, a versatile SFF-8654 4i storage port, and a rare 40Gbps USB-C port at a competitive price point. However, main cons include a relatively modest 10+1+1 power phase design that may limit extreme overclocking, higher VRM operating temperatures under heavy loads, and a lack of toolless release mechanisms for PCIe slots or M.2 heatsinks.

Technical Specifications of Maxsun Terminator Z890 A

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

8.4
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has a technical score of 8.37 points, which is higher than that of 87.7% 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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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%

8.4

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

8.7
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.7 points, which is higher than 91.6% 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

Maxsun
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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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

ATX
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
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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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 82.8% of motherboards and equal to 16.5% of motherboards.
higher limit with high-density DIMMs
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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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

6,400 MT/s
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A supports memory speeds up to 6400 MT/s, which is higher than that of 72.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.3% of motherboards.
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

4
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has 4 M.2 sockets, which is more than 84% of motherboards and equal to 10.7% 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

1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 3x PCIe 4.0 x4
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A offers 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 3x PCIe 4.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 93.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.4% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

4
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
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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

1
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.6% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% 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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.3% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

0
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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

x8/x4/x4, x8/x8
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A uses x8/x4/x4, x8/x8 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 95.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.6% of motherboards.
Depends on slot/M.2 population.
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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8, x8/x4/x4.
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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

9
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has 9 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 71% of motherboards and equal to 4.6% 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

14
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 12.9% 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

1
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.4% of motherboards and equal to 48.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

2
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% 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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
USB4 excluded.
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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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
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 I226-V
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A uses the Intel I226-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 92.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.9% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has 1 RJ45 ports, which is 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: MEDIUM

yes
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi 6.
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 6 (802.11ax)
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 60.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.6% of motherboards.
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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 ALC897
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A uses the Realtek ALC897 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 29.3% 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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

120 dB
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% 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

yes
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

6
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 86.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.4% of motherboards.
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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

10+1+1
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has 10+1+1 VRM phases, which is more than 52.5% of motherboards and equal to 0.9% 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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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

6
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50.3% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% 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
Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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

?
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Maxsun Terminator Z890 A vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 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

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.4 vs 2
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    higher limit with high-density DIMMs
    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

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 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

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.1 vs 0
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% 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

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 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

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.2 vs 1
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    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

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.1 vs 0
  • Newer CPU socket
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has better motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z890 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 39.1% higher maximum RAM speed
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (6,400 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 78.4% higher overclocked RAM speed
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (8,800 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • Faster M.2 slot interfaces
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has faster M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 5.0x4, 3x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 more rear USB ports
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (9 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 1 more Thunderbolt 3 ports
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more Thunderbolt 3 ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 3 port/s.
  • 1 more USB4 40Gbps ports
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more USB4 40Gbps ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 40Gbps port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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 Thunderbolt 4 ports
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more Thunderbolt 4 ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 4 port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 header/s.
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 1 more fan headers
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more fan headers than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • More VRM phases
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (10+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
  • No TPM connector
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
  • No multi-GPU support
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x8/x4/x4, x8/x8 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    Depends on slot/M.2 population.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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 total USB connections
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • Older HDMI version
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (2 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • More basic audio codec
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC897 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • No multi-GPU support
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    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

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • More basic audio codec
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC897 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 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

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC897 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.Realtek ALC897 vs Realtek ALC898
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
    What it is: The available ways to update the motherboard BIOS.
    When it matters: When you want easier BIOS maintenance and recovery.

    Importance: LOW

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    What it is: The number of internal USB 2.0 headers available for case connections.
    When it matters: When your case or accessories need internal USB connections.

    Importance: LOW

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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
  • 4.17x less popular
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A 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.
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A is less popular than the average motherboard (1.00 vs 4.165).1 vs 4.17
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
    When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=14

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.14 vs 15
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x8/x4/x4, x8/x8 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    Depends on slot/M.2 population.
    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

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x8/x4/x4, x8/x8 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.x8/x4/x4, x8/x8 vs x16/x1
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of PS/2 ports on the motherboard rear I/O.
    When it matters: When you want support for older keyboards or mice.

    Importance: LOW

    Maxsun Terminator Z890 A has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.0 vs 1
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio

Graphic comparison of Maxsun Terminator Z890 A and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Maxsun Terminator Z890 A?

  • Competitive entry-level pricing for the Z890 chipset, offering high value for budget-conscious builders.
  • Excellent storage expansion with four M.2 NVMe slots and a unique SFF-8654 port for additional SATA drives.
  • Metal-reinforced PCIe slots (including a second slot) which is uncommon for mid-range boards.
  • Reliable memory stability with out-of-the-box support for high-speed XMP profiles up to 8800 MHz.
  • Simple, functional aesthetics featuring a black PCB with silver cooling armor.
  • Smooth Windows 11 installation with most drivers recognized automatically by the OS.

What customers dislike about Maxsun Terminator Z890 A?

  • Higher than average VRM temperatures reported during heavy stress tests (peaking around 79°C).
  • Lack of 'DIY-friendly' toolless features; requires a screwdriver for M.2 heatsinks and drive installation.
  • Limited power delivery (10+1+1 phase design) compared to higher-end Z890 boards, making it unsuitable for extreme overclocking.
  • Software and driver support can be difficult, with some users reporting dead links (404 errors) or slow bandwidth on the official website.
  • Potential clearance issues when removing GPUs with large backplates due to the traditional PCIe release mechanism.
  • Missing some high-end connectivity features like Wi-Fi 7 (includes Wi-Fi 6 instead) and fewer USB-C ports than competitors.

Video reviews

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