ASRock Z890 Pro-A specifications and in-depth review

ASRock Z890 Pro-A

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock Z890 Pro-A is a reliable motherboard designed for demanding computing tasks. Featuring an ATX form factor, it provides ample space for expansion, including a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for cutting-edge graphics cards and other high-speed components.

With support for up to 256GB of memory, the Z890 Pro-A is well-suited for memory-intensive applications. It also offers DDR5 memory support and a variety of connectivity options, including USB 4.0 ports and multiple M.2 sockets for storage expansion.

Pros
  • Supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5, and RAID 0 for flexible storage management.
  • Offers 7.1 audio channels for high-quality sound, making it suitable for gaming or media setups.
  • Includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for future-proof expansion and fast performance.
  • Has ample connectivity options with multiple USB ports, including USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 4 support.
Cons
  • Lacks integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, limiting wireless connectivity options out of the box.
  • Does not support ECC memory, which may be a limitation for users needing enhanced data integrity.
  • No support for an S/PDIF Out port, limiting digital audio output options for high-end audio systems.
Who is this for?

The ASRock Z890 Pro-A motherboard is ideal for users who prioritize high-performance storage and expansion capabilities. It supports up to 256GB of memory and offers robust RAID options like RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5, making it well-suited for users seeking data redundancy or performance enhancement. It is also suitable for enthusiasts who require future-proof expansion with its PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and extensive connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4 and USB Type-C support.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be suitable for users who require integrated wireless capabilities, as it lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Additionally, users needing high-level data integrity through ECC memory will find it lacking, as it does not support this feature. Finally, its lack of an S/PDIF Out port makes it less suitable for users who demand advanced digital audio output for high-end audio systems.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1851
chipset Z890
form factor ATX
release date October 2024
supports Wi-Fi
Has Bluetooth
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock
has RGB lighting
Easy to reset BIOS
Has dual BIOS
CPU sockets 1
Has integrated graphics
warranty period 3 years
height 244 mm
width 305 mm
Has integrated CPU

The ASRock Z890 Pro-A motherboard comes with a range of useful features. It supports an LGA 1851 CPU socket and is compatible with the Z890 chipset. The motherboard is built in an ATX form factor, offering flexibility for various builds. While it does not support integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it features RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics and is easy to overclock. Notably, it has a single CPU socket, lacks integrated graphics, and does not offer dual BIOS or easy BIOS resetting. It comes with a standard 3-year warranty period and measures 244mm in height and 305mm in width.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 256GB
RAM speed (max) 5600 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 8666 MHz
memory slots 4
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory

The ASRock Z890 Pro-A motherboard supports up to 256GB of memory across its four memory slots. It utilizes DDR5 memory and operates with a maximum RAM speed of 5600 MHz, which can be overclocked to 8666 MHz. The motherboard features dual memory channels for improved performance but does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 2.0 ports 4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 1
USB 4 40Gbps ports 1
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
Thunderbolt 4 ports 1
Thunderbolt 3 ports 0
has an HDMI output
DisplayPort outputs 1
RJ45 ports 1
Has USB Type-C
eSATA ports 0
DVI outputs 0
has a VGA connector
PS/2 ports 0

The ASRock Z890 Pro-A motherboard offers a variety of connectivity options, including USB Type-C support and Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfer. It has a total of 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (USB-A), 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A), and 4 USB 2.0 ports. Additionally, it features an HDMI output, a DisplayPort, and a single RJ45 port for network connectivity, ensuring ample options for external peripherals and displays.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports (through expansion) 1
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion) 4
SATA 3 connectors 4
fan headers 8
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion) 4
M.2 sockets 4
Has TPM connector
U.2 sockets 0
Has mSATA connector
SATA 2 connectors 0

The ASRock Z890 Pro-A motherboard offers extensive connectivity options with 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and 4 USB 2.0 ports available through expansion. Additionally, it includes 4 M.2 sockets for fast storage options and 8 fan headers for enhanced cooling. The board also features a TPM connector for security and 4 SATA 3 connectors for traditional hard drives or SSDs, ensuring flexibility for various setups.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots 1
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x1 slots 1
PCI slots 0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x4 slots 2
PCIe x8 slots 0

The ASRock Z890 Pro-A motherboard provides a variety of expansion slots, including 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed graphics and other components. It also features 2 PCIe x4 slots for additional expansion cards and 1 PCIe x1 slot for smaller devices. Notably, it lacks PCIe 4.0 or PCI slots but offers flexibility through modern PCIe configurations.

Audio:

audio channels 7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port
audio connectors 3

The ASRock Z890 Pro-A motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels for a rich and immersive sound experience. It features 3 audio connectors for flexible speaker or headset setup. However, it does not include an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output.

Storage:

Supports RAID 1
Supports RAID 10 (1+0)
Supports RAID 5
Supports RAID 0
Supports RAID 0+1

The ASRock Z890 Pro-A motherboard offers comprehensive storage support with capabilities for multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5, and RAID 0. It allows for improved data redundancy and performance, though it does not support RAID 0+1.

Final Verdict

The ASRock Z890 Pro-A motherboard is a robust choice for users seeking advanced storage and expansion options. With support for RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5, along with a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and extensive connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 and USB Type-C, it is well-suited for performance-driven setups. While it lacks integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ECC memory support, it remains a strong contender for enthusiasts needing a versatile and future-proof foundation for high-performance computing.

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