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Maxsun iCraft Z890 Vertex specifications and in-depth review

Maxsun iCraft Z890 Vertex

Manufacturer: Maxsun

The Maxsun iCraft Z890 Vertex is an ATX motherboard designed around Intel's LGA 1851 socket and Z890 chipset, targeting users who want a well-equipped platform with modern connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) alongside Bluetooth 5.4 and includes both dual BIOS and easy BIOS reset features, making it a practical choice for those who value system resilience and wireless flexibility.

On the expansion and connectivity front, the board offers a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for the primary GPU, complemented by a PCIe x8 and a PCIe x4 slot for additional cards. Memory support extends up to 128GB of DDR5 across two slots, with a standard maximum speed of 6000 MHz and overclocked profiles reaching 9200 MHz. Storage options include four M.2 sockets and four SATA 3 connectors. The rear I/O provides nine USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two USB 4 40Gbps ports, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, along with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort outputs. Audio is handled by a 7.1-channel solution rated at 120 dB SNR, and the board ships with a three-year warranty.

Pros
  • Dual BIOS support adds a layer of protection against failed updates or corrupted firmware
  • Wi-Fi 7 support alongside the full spectrum from Wi-Fi 4 through Wi-Fi 6E ensures broad and future-ready wireless compatibility
  • Four M.2 sockets provide ample high-speed storage expansion without relying on SATA alone
  • Two Thunderbolt 4 ports and two USB 4 40Gbps ports offer fast and versatile high-bandwidth connectivity
  • DDR5 memory can be overclocked up to 9200 MHz, giving enthusiasts significant headroom beyond the 6000 MHz standard ceiling
  • 7.1-channel audio with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio and S/PDIF output makes for a capable onboard sound solution
Cons
  • Only two memory slots limit upgrade flexibility and mean there is no redundancy if a slot fails
  • No PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 3.0 x16 slots means there is only one full-bandwidth GPU slot available
  • ECC memory is not supported, which rules out use cases requiring data integrity assurance
  • No TPM connector is present, which may be a limitation for certain security-focused deployments
  • The single RJ45 port provides no wired network redundancy for users who require it
Who is this for?

This board is well-suited to enthusiast builders and power users who want a modern Intel platform with room to grow. The single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot paired with four M.2 sockets makes it a strong fit for those building high-throughput workstations or gaming rigs that demand fast storage and a capable GPU lane. Users who rely on Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 connectivity for external devices such as high-speed storage enclosures or docking stations will find the rear I/O well-equipped. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7, dual BIOS, and DDR5 overclocking support up to 9200 MHz also makes it appealing to overclockers and users who want a reliable, future-ready wireless setup without adding a separate adapter.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who need ECC memory support for data-critical or error-sensitive workloads — such as certain professional computing or light server applications — will find this board unsuitable, as that capability is absent. The two-slot memory configuration also makes this a poor fit for those planning to build systems with very high memory channel density or who want the flexibility of a four-slot layout for staged upgrades. Additionally, users who require a TPM connector for hardware-based security deployments or managed enterprise environments will need to look elsewhere, as no such header is present on this board.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1851
chipset Z890
form factor ATX
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 245 mm
width 305 mm
Has integrated CPU ✕

The Maxsun iCraft Z890 Vertex is an ATX motherboard measuring 305 × 245 mm, built around the LGA 1851 socket and compatible with the Z890 chipset. It accommodates a single CPU and does not include an integrated processor or integrated graphics. Wireless connectivity spans Wi-Fi 4 through Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), and Bluetooth 5.4 is also built in, though aptX is not supported. Video output is available via an HDMI 2.1 port, and the board features RGB lighting for aesthetic customization. Practical usability is aided by support for easy overclocking, a clear CMOS function for straightforward BIOS resets, and a dual BIOS setup for added reliability. The board carries a 3-year warranty.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 128GB
RAM speed (max) 6000 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 9200 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 128GB. Standard RAM speeds top out at 6000 MHz, while overclocked profiles can reach up to 9200 MHz. ECC memory is not supported.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 9
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 1
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 a generous USB lineup, led by nine USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports alongside two USB 4 40Gbps ports and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, all delivered via USB Type-C connectors. There are no USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0, USB 4 20Gbps, or Thunderbolt 3 ports present. Display output is covered by one HDMI and one DisplayPort, while VGA and DVI outputs are absent. A single RJ45 port handles wired networking, and there are no eSATA or PS/2 ports included.

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) 3
SATA 3 connectors 4
fan headers 5
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion) 2
M.2 sockets 4
Has TPM connector ✕
U.2 sockets 0
Has mSATA connector ✕
SATA 2 connectors 0

Internal connectivity is well-provisioned, with four M.2 sockets and four SATA 3 connectors available for storage expansion, while SATA 2, U.2, and mSATA connectors are absent. USB expansion headers include two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, and three USB 2.0 ports, all routed through internal connectors. Five fan headers are present for cooling management. 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 1
PCIe x8 slots 1

The board provides three expansion slots in total: one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for the primary graphics card, one PCIe x8 slot, and one PCIe x4 slot for additional cards. There are no PCIe 4.0, PCIe 3.0, PCIe 2.0, or PCIe x1 slots, and no legacy PCI slots are present.

Audio:

Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC) 120 dB
audio channels 7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port ✓
audio connectors 5

The onboard audio solution supports 7.1-channel output and delivers a DAC signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB, with five analog audio connectors available on the rear panel. Digital audio output is also covered through an S/PDIF Out port.

Storage:

Supports RAID 0+1 ✕
Final Verdict

The Maxsun iCraft Z890 Vertex is a capable ATX motherboard that brings together a modern feature set for Intel LGA 1851 builds, anchored by Wi-Fi 7, dual BIOS, and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot alongside four M.2 sockets and an extensive high-speed USB rear I/O. Its DDR5 support with overclocking headroom up to 9200 MHz and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity reinforce its position as a platform aimed at enthusiasts who prioritize bandwidth and future-readiness. The two-slot memory layout and absence of ECC and TPM support do narrow its appeal in certain professional contexts, but for users building a high-performance desktop system around a current Intel processor, the iCraft Z890 Vertex covers the essentials thoroughly and adds several conveniences that make day-to-day use and long-term maintenance more manageable.

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