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ASRock Z890I Nova WiFi specifications and in-depth review

ASRock Z890I Nova WiFi

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock Z890I Nova WiFi is a compact Mini-ITX motherboard built around Intel's LGA 1851 platform and Z890 chipset. Despite its 170 mm × 170 mm footprint, it manages to pack in a broad connectivity suite, RGB lighting, and Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) alongside Bluetooth 5.4, making it a well-equipped option for space-constrained builds that still demand modern wireless capability.

On the connectivity front, the board provides two Thunderbolt 4 ports that double as USB 4 40 Gbps outputs, complemented by six USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports on the rear panel. Storage is handled through three M.2 sockets, two SATA 3 connectors, and full RAID 0/1/5/10 support, while a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot serves the primary graphics or expansion card. Memory configuration supports up to 128 GB of DDR5 across two slots, with speeds reaching 6400 MHz natively and up to 9466 MHz when overclocked. The onboard audio section delivers a 130 dB signal-to-noise ratio with 7.1-channel output and an S/PDIF port, and the board carries a three-year warranty.

Pros
  • Supports Wi-Fi 7 alongside all major previous Wi-Fi generations, plus Bluetooth 5.4, covering a wide range of wireless connectivity needs
  • Two Thunderbolt 4 ports doubling as USB 4 40Gbps outputs provide very fast wired peripheral and data transfer options
  • Three M.2 sockets offer flexible high-speed storage expansion despite the Mini-ITX form factor
  • The single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot delivers the latest generation of expansion bandwidth for the primary add-in card
  • DDR5 memory can be overclocked up to 9466 MHz, and the board supports up to 128 GB across two slots
  • Onboard audio reaches a 130 dB signal-to-noise ratio with 7.1-channel support and an S/PDIF output
Cons
  • Only two memory slots means no room to add modules later without replacing existing ones
  • No TPM connector is present, which may complicate certain security or enterprise configurations
  • With just three fan headers, thermal management options are limited for more complex cooling setups
  • Lacks a dual BIOS and easy CMOS reset, making BIOS recovery after a failed update more involved
  • No DisplayPort output is available, restricting display connectivity to the single HDMI 2.1 port
  • ECC memory is not supported, ruling out use cases that require error-correcting RAM
Who is this for?

This board is well-matched to builders who need a capable, compact Mini-ITX system without sacrificing modern connectivity — particularly those assembling small form factor desktops around Intel's LGA 1851 platform. The combination of Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports makes it a practical fit for creative professionals or power users who rely on fast external storage, high-bandwidth peripherals, or wireless-first setups. Those who want to push memory performance will also find value here, given the support for DDR5 overclocking up to 9466 MHz and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for the latest graphics or compute cards.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who need extensive multi-GPU setups or a range of expansion cards will find the board limiting, as it offers only a single PCIe slot with no additional x1, x4, or x8 options. It is equally unsuitable for workstation or server environments that depend on ECC memory, since that capability is absent entirely. Those who prefer straightforward BIOS management may also find the lack of dual BIOS and easy CMOS reset a drawback, particularly in overclocking scenarios where a failed configuration could complicate recovery.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1851
chipset Z890
form factor Mini-ITX
supports Wi-Fi ✓
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Has Bluetooth ✓
Bluetooth version 5.4
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock ✓
has RGB lighting ✓
Easy to reset BIOS ✕
Has dual BIOS ✕
has aptX ✕
CPU sockets 1
Has integrated graphics ✕
warranty period 3 years
height 170 mm
width 170 mm
Has integrated CPU ✕

The ASRock Z890I Nova WiFi is built around a single LGA 1851 socket paired with the Z890 chipset, housed in a compact Mini-ITX form factor measuring 170 mm × 170 mm. It supports overclocking and includes RGB lighting, while video output is handled through an HDMI 2.1 port; note that the board carries no integrated graphics or integrated CPU. Wireless connectivity is a strong point, with Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) covering all major standards back to Wi-Fi 4, and Bluetooth 5.4 on board, though aptX audio codec support is not included. The board does not feature dual BIOS or an easy CMOS reset option, and it carries a three-year warranty.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 128GB
RAM speed (max) 6400 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 9466 MHz
memory slots 2
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory ✕

The board supports DDR5 memory across two slots in a dual-channel configuration, with a maximum capacity of 128 GB. Native RAM speeds reach up to 6400 MHz, and with overclocking enabled that figure can extend to 9466 MHz. ECC memory is not supported.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 6
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 2.0 ports 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 0
USB 4 40Gbps ports 2
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
Thunderbolt 4 ports 2
Thunderbolt 3 ports 0
has an HDMI output ✓
DisplayPort outputs 0
RJ45 ports 1
Has USB Type-C ✓
eSATA ports 0
DVI outputs 0
has a VGA connector ✕
PS/2 ports 0

The rear I/O panel offers six USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports alongside two Thunderbolt 4 ports that also function as USB 4 40 Gbps Type-C connections, covering the fastest USB and Thunderbolt standards available. A single RJ45 port handles wired networking, and an HDMI output is present for display connectivity; there are no DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA outputs. Ports absent from the panel include USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0, USB 4 20 Gbps, Thunderbolt 3, eSATA, and PS/2.

Connectors:

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

Storage connectivity is anchored by three M.2 sockets and two SATA 3 connectors, with no SATA 2, U.2, or mSATA options present. For internal USB expansion, the board provides headers supporting two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, and two USB 2.0 ports. Three fan headers are available for cooling management, while a TPM connector is not included.

Expansion slots:

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

The board offers a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot as its sole expansion option, catering to the primary graphics card or other full-bandwidth add-in cards. No additional PCIe slots of any generation or bandwidth — including PCIe 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, x8, x4, or x1 — are present, nor are there any legacy PCI slots, which is consistent with the board's compact Mini-ITX layout.

Audio:

Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC) 130 dB
audio channels 7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port ✓
audio connectors 2

The onboard audio solution supports 7.1-channel output and delivers a DAC signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB, indicating a clean analog output stage. Two audio connectors are available on the rear panel, and a S/PDIF Out port is included for digital audio passthrough to external receivers or DACs.

Storage:

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

The board supports four RAID configurations — RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 (1+0) — covering the most widely used modes for performance, redundancy, and combinations of both. RAID 0+1 is not supported.

Final Verdict

The ASRock Z890I Nova WiFi delivers a remarkably complete feature set within the constraints of a 170 mm × 170 mm footprint, making a strong case for users who want a modern LGA 1851 build without committing to a larger form factor. Its Wi-Fi 7 connectivity paired with dual Thunderbolt 4 ports stands out as the headline combination, ensuring the board remains relevant for demanding wireless and wired peripheral workflows alike. Limitations around expansion flexibility and the absence of ECC memory mean it is best understood as a platform for focused, high-performance consumer or creative builds rather than a versatile workstation foundation. For that specific audience, it represents a well-specified, connectivity-forward Mini-ITX option that handles the essentials — storage, audio, memory bandwidth, and fast I/O — with little compromise.

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