Introduction

In late 2022, Intel launched the 13th generation core processors codenamed Raptor Lake. This new Intel CPU generation is compatible with the existing Z690 / B660 and LGA 1700 socket. Often accompanying most mid-cycle CPU refreshes comes new motherboards and chipsets. This gives motherboard manufacturers an opportunity to add any new technologies and features that were not available previously. While nothing new was introduced that wasn't already present in the Intel Z690 lineup, the Z790 chipset offers additional high-speed USB ports, PCIe lanes and better overall memory support compared to its predecessor.

ASRock has a wide range of Intel motherboards with multiple new product refreshes, from the flagship AQUA OC to ASRock's budget-orientated Phantom Gaming and Pro series. The Phantom Gaming (PG) line both in the entry and mid-range sectors targets consumers who are looking for a product that is less about costly premium features and instead focuses on reliable, but budget friendly motherboards.


Are you ready to go fast like Sonic? ASRock thinks so and has the accommodations for the core needs of a modern gamer. In today review, we have the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic Edition ready to be scrutinized. Using the new Intel Z790 chipset and under the Phantom Gaming (PG) line, ASRock has secured a license from SEGA for the use of Sonic the Hedgehog branding. ASRock Z790 PG Sonic 14+1+1 VRM setup is designed to keep everything running smoothly during long gaming sessions, even with the power hungry Intel i9 13900K. Featuring PCIe 5.0 for future graphics cards, DDR5, and five M.2 sockets allowing for massive storage and those large creative projects or extensive game libraries. There is a lot to cover, so let's take a closer look at the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic Edition motherboard.

Specifications

Packaging and Contents

Taking a closer look at the box, we can see the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic marketing is already top-notch, and we haven't even taken it out of the box! For those who need guidance of what ASRock is selling, the front gives the product name, badges to show support for DDR5, PCIe Gen 5, HDMI and Intel processors.

Turning the box around, the Sonic theme continues with the blue text and golden rings that the hedgehog is always after. Split into three sections, the top has a depiction of the Z790 Sonic motherboard, along with key features on either side. Below that in the middle are more highlights showing this product has a 14+1+1 VRM setup and "Lighting USB Gaming" ports. Lastly, the bottom has all the specifications listed out.


Under the PG line, this motherboard has little extra to offer in terms of extra premium features. Therefore, not much is included in the form of accessories.

The full list of accessories includes:

• ASRock Z790 PG SONIC User Manual
  2x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
  5x Screws for M.2 Sockets (Optional)

Board Layout

First thing after taking it out of the box was to find out if this is just another ASRock motherboard with a different paint job. It is in fact just a PG Riptide with Sonic themed heatsinks and silkscreen. The fanfare is strong here, with additional prominent details like the backside silkscreen and Sonic themed BIOS and software.


When it comes to CPU cooler compatibility, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic Edition heatsinks are unintrusive due to being small in size. There is ample space around the socket allowing even the largest air-coolers to fit. ASRock understands who this motherboard is for and most likely that it will be paired with an i3 or i5 Intel CPU and a air-cooler. Those who are planning to use a All-In-One cooler will not have any clearance problems either.


The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic Edition offers two PCIe x16 slots, with only the primary being reinforced for extra stress support. PCIe slot one (PCIE1) is PCIe Gen 5 certified with x16 lanes coming from the CPU. PCIE1 can either operate at a full x16 or x8 when the Gen 5 M.2 socket is populated. Slot two (PCIE2) is physically x16, but internally wired for Gen 4 x4. Finally, slot three (PCIE3) is Gen 3 x1 and open-ended, allowing for more compatibility among add-on cards.


One of the big changes that comes with the Z790 chipset is the bandwidth change in the PCIe lanes provided by the chipset. Z790 still offers 28 PCIe lanes found on the Z690, but now with eight more Gen 4 for a total of 20 and eight fewer Gen 3 lanes, for eight in total. Motherboard manufacturers can use these for extra high USB ports, PCIe slots or M.2 sockets. Here we see ASRock uses the extra bandwidth to use, upgrading an M.2 Gen 3 slot into Gen 4. Of the five available M.2 sockets, four can be used simultaneously. Three of which go to the Z790 chipset.


While both 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors support PCIe Gen 5 with x16 lanes available from the CPU, these do not have additional dedicated lanes for M.2 Gen 5 socket(s) like AMD offers for its Ryzen 7000 series. Intel Z690 / Z790 motherboards that offer M.2 Gen 5 sockets, must take lanes away from the PCIe slots. In this case, ASRock has a unconventional way to support this. Sharing the same physical space, from the factory, the M.2 mounting post is installed for the M.2 Gen 4 socket on the left. This will use the dedicated x4 lanes from the CPU. By moving the post and installing a M.2 (Blazing M.2) on the right side, the top PCIe and only Gen 5 slot will split bandwidth and drop to Gen 5 x8 when in use.


In terms of diagnostics for troubleshooting, ASRock does not have a Code debugger, but instead implements basic LEDs. These will light up based on what part of the boot sequence the motherboard is in. These are helpful to an extent, but a proper code readout is always preferred.


Close up of the Intel Z790 chipset.


The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic Edition uses a two 8-Pin EPS connector for higher power management.


ASRock has included the standard baseline USB accommodations for current generation motherboards. Next to the 24-Pin power connector is one USB 3.2 Gen 1 and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 (20 Gbps) front panel header. Additionally, two USB 2.0 headers can be found right in the middle at the bottom.


The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic Edition motherboard has a total of eight 6 Gbps SATA ports. Per the manual, these are connected directed to the Intel Z790 chipset, with RAID mode supported.


Being that this motherboard falls under the PG lineup, some things had to be cut in order to keep the price within check. Here ASRock has used the basic Realtek ALC897 Codec. This isn't lowest audio chip Realtek sells, but is certainly far from the top end. It comes with 7.1, 24-bit / 192kH support and isn't going to win any awards, but will be good enough for many gamers and casual users.


Networking on the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic Edition is handled by a Killer E3001G 2.5 Gb/s controller.


Placed at the top and bottom is a number of RGB headers. At top is two ARGB 5 V (3-pins) RGB headers. Next to the USB 2.0 header is a single RGB 12 V (4-Pins) and ARGB 5 V (3-pin) header.


A small Easter egg here is one of the many rings Sonic is always after. Being a holographic, changing your viewing angle puts the ring in motion.


The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic Edition has a limited amount of high bandwidth USB ports, with only four 10 Gbps ports, two 5 Gbps and two USB 2.0 Type-A ports. Among the 10 Gbps ports is ASRock's "Lighting Gaming Ports" (yellow) that are marketed as lower jitter and latency. However, we don't have have appropriate test hardware to verify this independently.

Included as well is HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 video outputs for iGPU, along with 2.5 Gb LAN and HD audio jacks. Holes for WiFi antennas can be found above the HDMI port. The motherboard has an M.2 (KEY-E) socket for WiFi, should you want to install a module.

• 2x Antenna Mounting Points
  1x HDMI Port 2.1
  1x DisplayPort 1.4
  2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Ports (10 Gb/s)
  1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Port (5 Gb/s)
  4x USB 3.2 Lightning Gaming Ports (5 Gb/s)
  2x USB 2.0 Ports
  1x RJ-45 LAN Port
  HD Audio Jacks