Motherboard ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890I Nova WiFi — Intel Z890, LGA 1851, Mini-ITX, DDR5, 2x M.2, Wi‑Fi 6E/7, LAN 5Gb, Thunderbolt

Phantom Gaming is a gaming-focused motherboard series designed to provide robust performance and advanced features for PC enthusiasts. It combines an optimized VRM design with upgraded 20K capacitors, a 10-layer 2oz copper PCB, PCIe Gen5 and Gen4 M.2 support, DDR5 memory overclocking compatibility, enhanced cooling solutions and modern connectivity including Wi‑Fi 7, Thunderbolt 4 and 5 Gb/s LAN for responsive networking.

Advantages

The motherboard delivers stable power through a 12+1+1+1+1 power phase VRM and Dr.MOS SPS (Smart Power Stage) monitoring, enabling reliable overclocking and lower temperatures. The upgraded 20K capacitor (1000uF) increases capacitance and lifespan, improving current stability and reducing ripple. A 10-layer, 2oz copper PCB and enlarged M.2 heatsink support sustained performance, while Memory OC Shield reduces EMI for more consistent DDR5 overclocking. Connectivity features such as Wi‑Fi 7, Multi-Link Operation, Thunderbolt 4 and a front-panel USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C header offer high bandwidth and low latency for modern workflows and gaming.

Key specifications

• VRM: 12+1+1+1+1 power phase design with Dr.MOS SPS
• Capacitors: Exclusive 20K Black capacitor, 1000uF
• PCB: 10-layer board with 2oz inner copper
• M.2: PCIe Gen5 Blazing M.2 (up to 128 Gb/s) and Hyper M.2 Gen4 x4
• Memory: DDR5 with XMP & EXPO support; Memory OC Shield
• Cooling: Composite VRM heatsink with fan and XXL M.2 heatsink; PWM/DC fan headers; thermistor header; Fan‑Tastic Tuning
• Wireless: Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11be) with Multi-Link Operation and new antenna design
• Ports: Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C (up to 40 Gbps); Front panel USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (20 Gbps)
• LAN: Optimized 5 Gb/s LAN connector with improved EMI resistance
• Audio: Nahimic audio suite with noise suppression, echo cancellation and Sound Tracker
• Extras: ARGB splitter cable included; BIOS Flashback; flexible integrated I/O shield

How to use

Install the motherboard into a compatible ATX chassis, connect the Hi‑Density CPU power connector and system power, mount DDR5 memory modules that support Intel XMP or AMD EXPO if you plan to use pre-tested overclocking profiles, and attach M.2 SSDs under the enlarged heatsinks. Configure fan curves and thermal sensors via Fan‑Tastic Tuning in UEFI or the OS utility, connect Wi‑Fi and antennas for wireless networking, and update BIOS using BIOS Flashback if needed. For Thunderbolt and front-panel Type-C functionality, connect appropriate devices and check drivers are installed.

Recommendations

For stable overclocking, use high-quality DDR5 modules certified for XMP/EXPO, ensure adequate case airflow to benefit from the composite VRM cooler and XXL M.2 heatsink, and keep the BIOS and drivers up to date to maximize compatibility with Wi‑Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4 devices.