Introduction

Ten months ago, AMD released the Ryzen 3000 series desktop processors in one of the most monumental hardware launches of the modern era. This final step completed the Red brand's ascent back into the forefront of the desktop processor market that began with the launch of the first generation of Ryzen CPUs. Today, Intel is finally firing back with the launch of the 10th Generation Intel Core processors, along with a new motherboard standard to drive them.

As should be no surprise, the focus will remain on the new motherboards. While the 10th Gen Intel Core processors will not support PCIe 4.0 connectivity due to signal integrity issues, many of the Z490 motherboards are designed to support the PCIe 4.0 specification. This is accomplished by adding clock generators to help clean up the signal. Generally speaking, when it comes to long-term platform support, AMD has been the trendsetter. Has AMD's long support of the AM4 socket on its newer generation processors inspired Intel to take similar steps?

So what is Z490 offering right now? For starters, there has been a large focus on VRM and VRM cooling design. With the top-level Intel Core i9-10900K featuring 10 cores along with HyperThreading, the ability to deliver clean, continuous power is going to be one of the primary factors that separates a good Z490 board from the competition. With the introduction of HyperThreading on Intel's mid-range line-up, power delivery is going to be vital in all segments.



The AQUA line from ASRock is the brand's "halo" product. Featuring everything except the kitchen sink, including a full-coverage mono block for custom water cooling and even a limited run serial number. This limited production board was first introduced for X570, with a run of 999 motherboards. Now, ASRock is back at it with another 999 board run on Z490 with the ASRock Z490 AQUA.

The ASRock Z490 AQUA features a 14 phase Vcore VRM utilizing top of the line 90 A power stages from Intersil. When paired with the included monoblock, this could easily be the coolest-running Z490 VRM to date. Beyond the VRM and watercooling, there is Thunderbolt 3 connectivity with two Type-C ports as well as two Mini DisplayPort inputs on the rear I/O. There is even a monochrome LED screen over the rear I/O that can be customized to display a variety of information.

With so many features to dig into I won't waste any more time here—let's see how the ASRock Z490 AQUA performs!

Specifications

Packaging and Contents

The ASRock Z490 AQUA's box is pure white with "Z490 AQUA" in metallic blue and the AQUA logo in the center left, as well as "ASRock" in the top left. The back of the box has all the highlights with nice wire frame illustrations: a top-down shot of the board, a diagram outlining the rear I/O, and the specifications list. The box design is well executed and a good fit for the board.


Inside the box is a thank you card and a nice compliment of accessories.


Along with the standard inclusions, there is a complete set of extra thermal pads, as well as extra mounting hardware.


The star of the accessories bundle is the set of AQUA-branded hard-tube fittings: six standard fittings, four 90 degrees angle fittings, a quarter turn valve, and two plugs.

The full list of accessories includes:

• Quick installation guide, support CD
• 4 x SATA data cables
• ASRock SLI_HB_Bridge_2S card
• ASRock WiFi 2.4/5 GHz antenna
• Thermal compound
• 5 x Spare thermal pads
• 4 x Spare screws for MOS and chokes
• 4 x Spare screws for CPU sockets
• 6 x Spare screws for M.2 heatsinks
• 2 x 90 degrees tubing elbow fittings
• 6 x G1/4" to 14 mm tube fittings
• 2 x G1/4" plugs
• 2 x G1/4" to 14 mm 90 degrees rotary fittings
• Ball Valve
• 8 x Rubber cushions for CPU socket (two sets)
• 3 x Screws for M.2 sockets
• 2 x Standoffs for M.2 sockets

Board Layout

The ASRock Z490 AQUA features a matte black PCB paired with bare silver aluminium heatsinks and accents. The dual-tone appearance is striking, and the silver will match up well with common water-cooling components.


The CPU socket and VRM are completely covered by a monoblock designed to cool both the CPU and VRM.


The ASRock Z490 AQUA comes with the block pre-installed, so you will need to remove it to install your CPU. I actually like this setup; not only are the thermal pads pre-applied (with an extra set included just in case), but taking the block off gives the user hands-on experience with how the assembly works.


There are technically four M.2 slots on the ASRock Z490 AQUA; two above the first PCIe x16 slot, another below the first PCIe x16 slot, and one between the second and third PCIe x16 slot. The top two slots are facing each other; one supports PCIe 4.0 (on future-generation CPUs) and the other only supports PCIe 3.0.


The ASRock Z490 AQUA offers three PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots, all of which are encased in steel, as well as two PCI Express 3.0 x1 slots. The top two x16 slots are PCIe 4.0 ready, featuring a clock generator to ensure a clear signal. While this feature is not supported by 10th Gen Intel Core processors, support is expected in future launches. The board has a total of eight SATA 6 Gb/s ports on the side, angled 90 degrees from the board. The SATA ports are in a slim cut-out on the side of the board to offset the extra width of the E-ATX form factor.


While retail units are serialized 1–999, media samples were customized instead, which is a really nice touch.


The ASRock Z490 AQUA has a topnotch I/O offering that includes 10 Gb/s LAN, as well as BIOS flashback, Clear CMOS, dual Thunderbolt Type-C, and dual Mini DisplayPort input ports.

• 2 x Antenna ports
• HDMI port
• Optical SPDIF out port
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Thunderbolt™ 3 Type-C ports
• 2 x Mini DisplayPort input ports
• 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports
• USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port
• 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
• 2 x RJ-45 LAN ports
• Clear CMOS button
• BIOS flashback button
• 5x HD audio jacks

Networking on the ASRock Z490 AQUA is handled by an Aquantia AQC-107 10 Gb/s controller as well as a Realtek RTL8125AG for 2.5 Gb/s LAN and an Intel 802.11ax for WiFi support.