Motherboard ASRock Z890 PRO-A LGA1851

ASRock Z890 PRO-A is an ATX motherboard for LGA 1851 and Intel Core Ultra processors, aimed at serious gaming and enthusiast configurations. It combines the new Intel Z890 chipset with DDR5 support and high-end networking and storage options. You get 4 M.2 slots, including one Blazing PCIe Gen5x4 for the fastest NVMe drives, plus a rich selection of USB, including Thunderbolt 4. This is a base on which you can confidently build and upgrade for years to come.

What you get

With an LGA 1851 socket and support for Intel Core Ultra processors, you have a direct path to the latest generation of Intel CPUs. DDR5 memory with frequencies up to 9066 MHz (OC) and four slots for a total of 256 GB gives you huge RAM headroom, both for high-end gaming and heavy multitasking and production. Storage is seriously covered: one PCIe Gen5x4 M.2 slot for future top NVMe drives, three Gen4x4 slots, and one M.2 that also supports SATA3, allowing you to combine maximum speed with large capacity. The 2.5G LAN chip provides significantly higher network bandwidth compared to the standard gigabit solution – plus RAID 0/1/5/10 across the four SATA ports if you want a backup array or higher speed with HDD/SSD.

• LGA 1851 socket and Intel Z890 chipset – compatible with Intel Core Ultra processors, ensuring access to the latest generation CPU platform.
• DDR5 memory up to 9066 MHz (OC) and 256 GB – four RAM slots with dual-channel mode provide enough capacity and frequency for high FPS gaming and heavy applications.
• 4 x M.2 slots with Gen5 and Gen4 support – one Blazing PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) for top NVMe, two PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s), and one Gen4x4/SATA3, allowing you to build a fast and flexible storage array.
• 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot – full x16 lane for modern GPUs, plus additional PCIe 4.0 x4 and x1 slots for expansion cards like capture cards or NVMe adapters.
• 2.5 Gigabit LAN (Dragon RTL8125BG) – network connection up to 2500 Mb/s, suitable for NAS, fast transfer of large files, and stable online gaming.
• Thunderbolt 4 and rich USB I/O – Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C (up to 40 Gb/s), USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C on the front and back, plus multiple USB 3.2 Gen1 and USB 2.0 for all peripherals.
• 7.1-channel HD audio with Realtek ALC897 – good enough built-in audio for gaming, multimedia, and voice chat without the mandatory need for a separate sound card.

Who it is suitable for

This motherboard is a logical choice if you are planning a high-end gaming or productivity build with Intel Core Ultra and want serious storage and I/O without moving to the extreme segment. It is also suitable for people who work with large files, rely on fast NVMe drives, and 2.5G networks. If you are aiming for a maximum budget build or do not need Gen5 and Thunderbolt 4, a lower-class chipset will likely suffice.

The strongest aspect here is the combination of the new LGA 1851 / Z890, DDR5 with high OC potential, and the four M.2 slots (including Gen5), plus Thunderbolt 4 and 2.5G LAN – a solid foundation for a modern and long-term PC that won't become outdated quickly.