The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic isn’t just another motherboard.

It’s a vibrant, performance-focused platform designed to bring a unique blend of speed and style to your Intel 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen build.

This board stands out with its distinct Sonic the Hedgehog aesthetic, offering a playful yet powerful foundation for high-end gaming and productivity.

While its visual appeal is certainly a major draw, beneath the blue and gold lies a robust feature set, including comprehensive connectivity, strong power delivery, and extensive cooling solutions, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts looking to infuse personality into their PC without compromising on performance.

It’s built for those who appreciate both form and function, providing ample room for overclocking and future upgrades, ensuring your system remains a speed demon for years to come.

0.0

0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

Excellent0%

Very good0%

Average0%

Poor0%

Terrible0%

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Asrock Z790 Pg
Latest Discussions & Reviews:

Product Name	Key Feature 1 Relevance	Key Feature 2 Relevance	Ideal User
Intel Core i9-14900K Processor	Top-tier gaming and multi-threaded performance	Compatible with LGA 1700 socket, perfect for Z790	High-end gamers, content creators, overclockers
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Graphics Card	Unmatched gaming performance and AI capabilities	PCIe 5.0 compatible, ideal for high-bandwidth boards	Extreme gamers, professional artists, AI/ML developers
Samsung 990 Pro NVMe SSD	Blazing-fast Gen4 PCIe 4.0 speeds for OS and games	M.2 form factor, directly compatible with Z790 slots	Gamers, video editors, power users needing rapid storage
G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 RAM	High-speed DDR5 memory for optimal system performance	XMP 3.0 support, aesthetic match for RGB builds	Enthusiasts, overclockers, users prioritizing speed & looks
Corsair RM1000e Power Supply	1000W 80 PLUS Gold efficiency for stable power delivery	Fully modular cables for clean builds	Any high-performance PC builder
Noctua NH-D15 CPU Cooler	Excellent air cooling for high-TDP processors	LGA 1700 mounting kit included	Overclockers, users seeking quiet and efficient cooling
Fractal Design North ATX Case	Premium airflow design and minimalist aesthetic	Ample space for large components and cable management	Builders looking for a clean, efficient, and stylish case

Table of Contents

Sonic Speed: A Deep Dive into the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic’s Design and Aesthetics

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic motherboard immediately grabs attention with its distinctive Sonic the Hedgehog theme. This isn’t just a superficial paint job.

It’s an integrated design choice that permeates various aspects of the board, making it a unique offering in the crowded Z790 market.

For enthusiasts and gamers who grew up with Sega’s iconic blue blur, this board offers a nostalgic yet high-performance platform.

Thematic Integration and Visual Flair

ASRock has truly committed to the Sonic theme. You’ll find Sonic artwork emblazoned on the VRM heatsinks, the chipset heatsink, and even subtle hints on the PCB itself. The color scheme predominantly features Sonic’s signature blue and gold, with flashes of white and black to provide contrast. This isn’t just a static image. elements like the rear I/O cover often incorporate RGB lighting that can be synchronized to pulse with your system, mimicking Sonic’s speed. The goal here is clearly to create a cohesive aesthetic that stands out from the typical muted or aggressive gaming motherboard designs. It’s a statement piece, designed for those who want their build to reflect their personality and passion for gaming history.

Build Quality and Component Layout

Beyond the visual appeal, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic maintains ASRock’s reputation for solid build quality. The PCB is typically a high-density glass fabric PCB, which helps reduce gaps between layers for improved signal integrity and component stability. The board uses premium components like Nichicon 12K Black Capacitors, known for their extended lifespan and stable performance, especially under overclocking conditions. Hp Omen 16 2023 13Th Gen Core Review

The component layout is generally well-thought-out, providing ample space for large CPU coolers and graphics cards. The M.2 slots are strategically placed, with some benefiting from dedicated heatsinks to prevent thermal throttling of high-speed NVMe drives. The positioning of fan headers, RGB headers, and front panel connectors is also convenient, making cable management less of a chore. Remember, a clean build isn’t just for looks. it improves airflow and simplifies troubleshooting.

Illumination and Customization Options

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic doesn’t shy away from RGB. It typically features Polychrome SYNC technology, ASRock’s proprietary RGB lighting system. This allows users to customize and synchronize the onboard RGB lighting with compatible peripherals like RGB RAM, fans, and LED strips. The software offers a variety of effects, from static colors to dynamic pulses, giving you full control over the visual ambiance of your system.

Key RGB zones usually include:

VRM Heatsinks: Often feature illuminated Sonic elements.
Chipset Heatsink: Can also have integrated RGB.
Rear I/O Cover: A prominent area for customizable lighting.

This level of customization means you can truly make your PC shine, matching the lighting to your mood, game, or even the original Sonic color palette.

Powering the Blue Blur: VRM and Power Delivery Explained

For any high-performance motherboard, especially one designed to handle Intel’s power-hungry 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors, the Voltage Regulator Module VRM and its power delivery system are paramount. Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Yoga Gen 8 Review

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic is engineered to provide stable and efficient power, crucial for sustained performance and successful overclocking.

Robust VRM Design and Phases

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically boasts a robust power phase design, often featuring a 14+1+1 or similar configuration. This breaks down as:

14 Phases for VCore: Dedicated to supplying power to the CPU cores, which is the most critical and power-intensive part. More phases generally mean better power distribution, lower temperatures per phase, and more stable voltage under load.
1 Phase for VCCGT: This supplies power to the integrated graphics.
1 Phase for VCCAUX: This powers the CPU’s System Agent SA, memory controller, and integrated PCIe controller.

These phases are commonly equipped with Dr.MOS Driver + MOSFET components. Dr.MOS ICs integrate the driver and MOSFET into a single package, offering higher efficiency and improved thermal performance compared to traditional discrete designs. This integration reduces switching losses and ensures cleaner power delivery.

Premium Components and Efficiency

ASRock often utilizes premium power chokes and Nichicon 12K Black Capacitors in its VRM design.

Power Chokes: These components regulate current flow and typically feature high saturation current ratings, meaning they can handle higher currents without saturating and becoming inefficient. This translates to more stable power delivery and less electrical noise.
Nichicon 12K Black Capacitors: As mentioned earlier, these capacitors are renowned for their longevity rated for at least 12,000 hours at 105°C and stability, ensuring reliable power filtering even under extreme conditions.

The combination of these components contributes to the overall efficiency of the VRM. A more efficient VRM means less energy is wasted as heat, leading to lower operating temperatures and greater stability for the CPU, especially when pushing higher clock speeds through overclocking. Sony Wf 1000Xm5 Review

Overclocking Potential and Stability

The robust VRM design is a clear indicator of the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic’s overclocking capabilities.

A powerful and stable VRM allows the CPU to draw consistent power even during peak loads and sustained overclocking, preventing thermal throttling and instability.

Benefits for Overclocking:

Higher Stable Clocks: A well-designed VRM enables the CPU to maintain higher clock speeds for longer durations.
Lower VRM Temperatures: Efficient power delivery means the VRM itself runs cooler, reducing the risk of throttling.
Improved Longevity: Stressing components less through better thermal management can contribute to the motherboard’s lifespan.

When you’re trying to squeeze every last megahertz out of your Intel Core i9-14900K Processor, the power delivery system is your best friend.

Hisense 75 Inch U8 Series Uled Tv 75U8K Review

It’s the unsung hero that ensures your CPU gets precisely what it needs, when it needs it, without breaking a sweat or catching fire.

Connectivity Blitz: PCIe 5.0, M.2 Slots, and USB Options

In the age of ever-increasing data demands and high-speed peripherals, connectivity is king.

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic is designed to be a future-proof platform, offering a comprehensive suite of modern connectivity options that cater to the needs of gamers, content creators, and power users alike.

PCIe 5.0: The Future of Graphics and Storage

The most significant upgrade in terms of connectivity on the Z790 platform is the introduction of PCIe 5.0. The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically features at least one, if not multiple, PCIe 5.0 x16 slots.

Graphics Cards: The primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot is designed for the latest and upcoming graphics cards like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Graphics Card. PCIe 5.0 offers double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0 128 GB/s vs. 64 GB/s for x16, ensuring that even the most demanding GPUs are not bottlenecked by the interface. While current high-end GPUs might not fully saturate PCIe 4.0, having PCIe 5.0 ensures future compatibility and headroom for next-generation cards.
NVMe SSDs: Beyond graphics, PCIe 5.0 is also crucial for next-gen NVMe SSDs. While most current high-performance SSDs are PCIe 4.0 like the Samsung 990 Pro NVMe SSD, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are beginning to emerge, promising read/write speeds that can exceed 10,000 MB/s. Having a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot means you’re ready for these ultra-fast storage solutions, which can drastically reduce game loading times and improve workflow efficiency for large file transfers.

Abundant M.2 Storage Options

Modern builds heavily rely on NVMe SSDs for their speed and compact form factor. The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically offers multiple M.2 slots often 4 or 5 to accommodate a substantial amount of high-speed storage.

Gogcom For Pc Review

PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 Support: While at least one M.2 slot will likely support PCIe Gen5 sharing bandwidth with the primary PCIe x16 slot in some configurations, the other slots will usually support PCIe Gen4. This provides a flexible setup, allowing you to prioritize the fastest drive for your OS and main games, and use other slots for additional high-capacity storage.
M.2 Heatsinks: Crucially, most, if not all, M.2 slots on a premium board like the Z790 PG Sonic come with dedicated heatsinks. High-speed NVMe drives generate considerable heat under load, and these heatsinks are essential for preventing thermal throttling, ensuring sustained peak performance.

Comprehensive USB Connectivity

The board provides a wide array of USB ports, catering to every peripheral imaginable.

Rear I/O: Expect a generous selection of USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C 20Gbps, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C 10Gbps, and several USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps and USB 2.0 ports. The USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port is particularly useful for ultra-fast external SSDs or other high-bandwidth devices.
Front Panel Headers: The board also includes headers for front panel USB ports, often including a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C header for modern PC cases, ensuring that your case’s front ports are just as fast as the rear ones.
Thunderbolt Header: Some Z790 boards, including potentially the PG Sonic, might feature an onboard Thunderbolt header. This allows you to add a Thunderbolt expansion card for even greater connectivity, offering blazing-fast data transfer and display capabilities for compatible devices.

This robust suite of connectivity ensures that you can hook up all your gaming peripherals, external drives, VR headsets, and more, without compromising on speed or convenience.

It’s all about creating a seamless, high-performance ecosystem for your rig.

Cool Running: Thermal Solutions for a Sonic Build

Maintaining optimal temperatures is crucial for system stability and longevity, especially when dealing with high-performance components like Intel’s K-series processors and powerful GPUs. Hp Dragonfly G4 Review

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic, true to its “Sonic” theme, aims for speed not just in data transfer but also in heat dissipation, employing a range of advanced thermal solutions.

Extensive VRM Heatsinks

As discussed in the power delivery section, the VRM is a critical area that generates significant heat. The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically features large, robust VRM heatsinks. These aren’t just decorative. they are designed with a high surface area to maximize heat dissipation.

Fin Array Design: Many premium heatsinks use a fin array design, increasing the contact area with the air for more efficient cooling.
Direct Contact Heatpipes Potential: Some high-end VRM heatsinks may even incorporate heatpipes to transfer heat away from critical components more rapidly to the extended fin stacks.
Thermal Pads: High-quality thermal pads are used to ensure excellent contact between the MOSFETs and the heatsinks, facilitating efficient heat transfer.

Keeping the VRM cool directly contributes to the stability of power delivery, which in turn allows for higher and more stable CPU overclocks. Without proper VRM cooling, even the most powerful CPU could experience thermal throttling, reducing performance.

M.2 Shield Frozr or Similar for NVMe SSDs

High-speed NVMe SSDs, especially PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 drives, can get quite hot during sustained heavy workloads e.g., large file transfers, game loading. To combat this, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic integrates dedicated M.2 heatsinks for its NVMe slots.

Passive Cooling: These heatsinks act as passive radiators, drawing heat away from the SSD controller and NAND chips.
Thermal Pads Included: Each M.2 heatsink typically comes with pre-applied or separate thermal pads to ensure optimal contact with the SSD.
Prevention of Thermal Throttling: By keeping the SSDs cool, the motherboard prevents thermal throttling, ensuring that your drives maintain their peak read and write speeds even during intense operations. This is vital for users dealing with large game libraries or high-resolution video files.

Chipset Heatsink and Fan Headers

The Z790 chipset itself generates some heat, although typically less than the CPU or VRM. The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic uses a passive chipset heatsink, often integrating it into the board’s aesthetic design. This passively dissipates heat, ensuring the chipset operates within optimal temperature ranges without the need for a noisy fan. Encrypto Review

Furthermore, the board provides numerous fan headers often 6-8 or more, strategically placed around the PCB.

CPU Fan Header: Dedicated for your CPU cooler whether air or AIO.
Chassis Fan Headers: For case fans, allowing you to set up optimal airflow paths within your Fractal Design North ATX Case.
AIO Pump Header: A dedicated header for the pump of an All-in-One liquid cooler, ensuring it receives consistent power and monitoring.

These headers are typically 4-pin PWM Pulse Width Modulation, allowing for precise fan speed control based on system temperatures, ensuring optimal cooling and minimal noise levels. A well-ventilated case with properly configured fans, combined with the motherboard’s thermal solutions, creates a synergistic effect for superior overall system cooling.

Audio Excellence: Nahimic Audio and High-Quality Codecs

When building a high-performance gaming PC, the audio experience is often an overlooked component, yet it can significantly impact immersion and competitive advantage.

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic doesn’t just focus on raw power and aesthetics. Disney Illusion Island Review

It also aims to deliver a superior audio experience.

Nahimic Audio: Immersive Sound for Gaming

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically features Nahimic Audio technology. Nahimic is a software suite designed to enhance the audio experience, particularly for gaming. It goes beyond basic audio drivers by offering a range of features that can transform how you hear in-game sounds and communicate with teammates.

3D Sound for Gamers: One of Nahimic’s flagship features is its ability to create a virtual 3D soundscape. This can provide a distinct advantage in competitive games by making it easier to pinpoint enemy footsteps, gunfire, or other crucial audio cues, giving you a better sense of spatial awareness.
Sound Tracker: This visual overlay can show you the direction of in-game sounds, which is particularly useful for players who rely on visual cues or are hearing impaired.
Voice Enhancer: For clear communication, Nahimic includes features like noise suppression and echo cancellation for your microphone input, ensuring your voice comes through crystal clear to your teammates, even in noisy environments.
Audio Customization: It offers various audio profiles for different scenarios gaming, movies, podcast and an equalizer to fine-tune the sound to your personal preference.

Premium Audio Codec and Components

Underpinning the Nahimic software is a high-quality audio hardware setup. The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically integrates an ALC Realtek ALC series audio codec, often the ALC1220 or a similar high-fidelity chip. This codec is known for its excellent signal-to-noise ratio SNR, providing clear and crisp audio playback.

To further enhance audio quality, motherboards often incorporate:

Dedicated Audio Capacitors: High-quality audio capacitors often gold-plated or specialized audio-grade caps are used for clearer signal filtering, resulting in richer, more detailed sound.
Isolated Audio PCB Layer: The audio components are usually placed on a physically isolated section of the motherboard’s PCB. This separation helps to protect the sensitive analog audio signals from electromagnetic interference EMI generated by other components on the motherboard, minimizing noise and ensuring a cleaner audio output.

These hardware-level optimizations ensure that the sound signal remains pure before it even reaches the Nahimic processing, providing a solid foundation for an immersive audio experience whether you’re using high-end headphones or a surround sound system. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review

It’s about delivering audio that’s as fast and clear as Sonic himself.

Network Nirvana: Blazing Fast Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic ensures you’re always connected at ludicrous speeds, featuring cutting-edge wired and wireless networking solutions.

2.5 Gigabit Ethernet: Wired for Speed

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically comes equipped with at least one 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet 2.5GbE port, often powered by an Intel I225-V or Killer E3100G controller. This is a significant upgrade over standard Gigabit Ethernet 1GbE.

Higher Bandwidth: 2.5GbE provides 2.5 times the bandwidth of traditional Gigabit Ethernet. This translates to faster file transfers over your local network LAN and ensures your internet connection, if faster than 1Gbps, isn’t bottlenecked by your motherboard.
Lower Latency for Gaming: While the primary benefit for internet gaming is often more about your ISP and routing, a higher bandwidth port can contribute to slightly lower latency in certain scenarios and ensure your connection is as stable as possible. For LAN parties or streaming high-bitrate content within your home network, 2.5GbE is a clear winner.
Future-Proofing: As internet speeds continue to increase and home networks become more sophisticated, having 2.5GbE ensures your system is ready for the demands of tomorrow.

Practical Benefits:

Downloading large game updates or files significantly faster.
Seamlessly streaming 4K/8K content from a local media server.
Reduced latency in competitive online gaming.

Wi-Fi 6E: Unleashing Wireless Potential

For wireless connectivity, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic usually features Wi-Fi 6E, often powered by an Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675 or similar module. Wi-Fi 6E is the latest evolution of Wi-Fi 6, bringing a crucial addition: the 6GHz band. Hisense 65 Inch U8 Series Uled Tv 65U8K Review

Tri-Band Support 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz:
- 2.4GHz: Best for range and penetrating walls, but slower and more prone to interference.
- 5GHz: Faster and less congested than 2.4GHz, but with shorter range.
- 6GHz: This is the game-changer. It offers new, uncrowded airwaves with wider channels, providing the lowest latency and highest speeds available wirelessly. This band is less susceptible to interference from older Wi-Fi devices and other home appliances.
Lower Latency for Gaming: The 6GHz band is particularly beneficial for wireless gaming, offering a “cleaner” connection with less interference, which can result in more stable pings and a smoother experience.
Increased Capacity: With more available channels and wider bandwidths, Wi-Fi 6E can handle more devices simultaneously without experiencing significant slowdowns, perfect for smart homes with numerous connected gadgets.
Bluetooth 5.2/5.3: Alongside Wi-Fi, the integrated module also provides the latest Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3. This offers improved range, speed, and energy efficiency for connecting wireless peripherals like headsets, controllers, and keyboards, ensuring a seamless and reliable connection.

Together, 2.5GbE and Wi-Fi 6E provide a comprehensive networking solution that ensures your ASRock Z790 PG Sonic-powered system is always performing at its peak, whether you’re tethered by cable or enjoying the freedom of wireless.

BIOS & Software: User-Friendly Control for Enthusiasts

A powerful motherboard is only as good as its control interface.

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic, like other ASRock boards, comes with a feature-rich BIOS UEFI firmware and a suite of software utilities designed to give users comprehensive control over their system’s performance, tuning, and aesthetics.

Intuitive UEFI BIOS Interface

ASRock’s UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Interface BIOS is known for being user-friendly yet powerful. It typically offers two main modes:

EZ Mode: This simplified interface provides quick access to essential information like CPU temperature, fan speeds, boot priority, and XMP profiles. It’s perfect for casual users or those who just want to make quick, basic adjustments.
Advanced Mode: This is where the real power lies. Divided into logical sections, the Advanced Mode allows for granular control over every aspect of your system:
- OC Tweaker: This section is your playground for overclocking. Here, you can adjust CPU core ratios, BCLK frequency, voltage settings VCore, VCCSA, VCCIO, etc., and memory timings XMP, DRAM voltage. ASRock often includes useful features like pre-configured overclocking profiles or a “Load Optimized CPU OC Setting” for a quick boost.
- Advanced: Delves into CPU configuration Hyper-Threading, virtualization, storage settings SATA modes, M.2 configuration, and onboard device control USB, audio, LAN.
- Tool: Offers utilities like Instant Flash for updating the BIOS directly from a USB drive, Secure Erase for securely wiping SSDs, and RGB LED settings if you prefer to control lighting from the BIOS.
- Hardware Monitor: Provides real-time monitoring of temperatures CPU, motherboard, fan speeds, and voltage readings, crucial for stability testing after overclocking.
- Security: For setting passwords and configuring secure boot options.
- Boot: Manages boot order, fast boot settings, and compatibility support module CSM options.

The interface is typically graphical and navigable with a mouse, making it much more accessible than traditional text-based BIOS screens. Mintcom Review

ASRock Software Suite: Polychrome SYNC, A-Tuning, and More

Beyond the BIOS, ASRock provides a collection of Windows-based software utilities to manage and monitor your system without needing to reboot into the BIOS.

ASRock Polychrome SYNC: This is the primary software for controlling the motherboard’s RGB lighting and synchronizing it with compatible components and peripherals. It allows you to select colors, effects static, breathing, cycling, etc., and adjust brightness, bringing the Sonic theme to life in your build.
ASRock A-Tuning or ASRock Utility: This all-in-one utility provides a range of functionalities:
- System Monitoring: Real-time display of CPU temperature, fan speeds, voltages, and usage statistics.
- Fan Control: Fine-tune fan curves based on temperature sensors, allowing for customized cooling profiles to balance performance and acoustics. You can even set minimum and maximum fan speeds.
- OC Tweaker: Offers basic overclocking functionality from within Windows, though for serious overclocking, the BIOS is always recommended.
- System Information: Displays detailed information about your installed hardware.
APP Shop: A convenient portal to download drivers, utilities, and even some third-party software suggested by ASRock. It also keeps you updated on the latest BIOS versions.
Restart to UEFI: A handy utility that reboots your system directly into the BIOS, saving you the hassle of spamming the DEL key during startup.

This combination of a robust BIOS and intuitive software empowers users of all skill levels to manage, optimize, and personalize their ASRock Z790 PG Sonic build, ensuring it runs as fast and looks as good as Sonic himself.

Value Proposition: Is the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic Worth It?

When considering a high-end motherboard like the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic, the crucial question boils down to its value proposition.

Is the blend of its unique aesthetic, robust features, and performance capabilities justified by its price point, especially compared to its Z790 competitors?

Price vs. Features and Performance

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic generally positions itself as a mid-to-high-tier Z790 motherboard. Its price will reflect the inclusion of premium features: Fairphone Fairbuds Xl Review

Strong VRM Design: The robust power delivery e.g., 14+1+1 Dr.MOS is a significant factor, allowing for stable power to high-end CPUs and serious overclocking headroom for chips like the Intel Core i9-14900K Processor. Boards with lesser VRMs might be cheaper but will limit overclocking potential.
PCIe 5.0 Support: The inclusion of PCIe 5.0 for both graphics and at least one M.2 slot is a future-proofing measure. While not fully saturated by current-gen hardware, it ensures your system is ready for the next wave of GPUs and ultra-fast NVMe SSDs.
Abundant M.2 Slots with Heatsinks: Multiple high-speed M.2 slots, all with heatsinks, add significant value by supporting extensive and thermally-controlled NVMe storage.
Advanced Networking: 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.x are premium networking solutions that ensure blazing-fast and reliable connectivity, both wired and wireless. Cheaper boards often cut corners here.
Enhanced Audio: Nahimic Audio paired with a quality codec and isolated circuitry contributes to a superior audio experience, which can be important for gamers and media consumers.
Unique Aesthetics: The Sonic the Hedgehog theme is undeniably a selling point for specific enthusiasts. This level of integrated, licensed aesthetic design often comes at a premium.

Compared to other Z790 boards, the PG Sonic often strikes a good balance.

While some top-tier boards might offer more extreme features e.g., higher phase counts for liquid nitrogen overclocking, dual 10GbE, they come at a significantly higher cost.

The PG Sonic targets the enthusiast who wants strong performance and a unique look without entering the ultra-premium price bracket.

Target Audience and Niche Appeal

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic clearly targets a specific demographic: Corsair K70 Max Rgb Magnetic Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

Gamers and Enthusiasts: Particularly those who appreciate distinct aesthetics and want their PC to reflect their personality. If you’re a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog, this board is a no-brainer for its theme alone.
Overclockers Moderate to Serious: The robust VRM and comprehensive BIOS options make it suitable for pushing Intel 12th/13th/14th Gen CPUs beyond stock speeds.
Builders Seeking Future-Proofing: PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6E ensure the board remains relevant for several hardware generations.
Content Creators: The ample M.2 slots, high-speed networking, and stable platform provide a solid foundation for demanding creative workloads.

For someone who just wants a basic Z790 board to run a CPU at stock speeds and doesn’t care about aesthetics, the PG Sonic might be an overkill.

However, for those who value the combination of performance, features, and an undeniably cool, unique design, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic presents a compelling and well-rounded package.

It’s a statement piece that delivers where it counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What CPU sockets does the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic support?

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic motherboard supports the LGA 1700 socket, making it compatible with Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Generation Core processors.

Does the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic support DDR5 RAM?

Yes, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic exclusively supports DDR5 RAM, typically with speeds well beyond JEDEC standards through XMP 3.0 profiles. Dangbei Neo Review

How many M.2 slots does the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic have?

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically features multiple M.2 slots, often four or five, with at least one supporting PCIe Gen5 speeds and the others supporting PCIe Gen4.

Is the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic suitable for overclocking?

Yes, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic is highly suitable for overclocking, thanks to its robust VRM design e.g., 14+1+1 Dr.MOS phases and comprehensive BIOS options.

Does the motherboard have Wi-Fi 6E?

Yes, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic usually comes with integrated Wi-Fi 6E, offering tri-band support 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz for high-speed and low-latency wireless connectivity.

What Ethernet speed does the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic support?

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically supports 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet 2.5GbE, providing significantly faster wired network speeds than standard Gigabit Ethernet.

Does the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic have RGB lighting?

Yes, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic features integrated RGB lighting, primarily through ASRock Polychrome SYNC, allowing for customizable and synchronized illumination. Hp Omen 32Q Review

Can I control the RGB lighting with software?

Yes, you can control the RGB lighting on the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic using the ASRock Polychrome SYNC software within Windows.

Does this motherboard come with M.2 heatsinks?

Yes, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic provides dedicated M.2 heatsinks for most, if not all, of its NVMe SSD slots to prevent thermal throttling.

What audio codec does the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic use?

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically uses a high-quality audio codec like the Realtek ALC1220, complemented by Nahimic Audio software enhancements.

Is the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic a good motherboard for gaming?

Yes, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic is an excellent motherboard for gaming, offering robust power delivery, high-speed connectivity PCIe 5.0, 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 6E, and immersive audio features.

Does the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic support PCIe 5.0 graphics cards?

Yes, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically features at least one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, providing double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0 for next-generation graphics cards.

What form factor is the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic?

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic is an ATX form factor motherboard, compatible with most standard ATX PC cases.

Does the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic have a BIOS Flashback feature?

Many ASRock Z790 boards, including often the PG Sonic, feature a BIOS Flashback button or similar technology, allowing you to update the BIOS without a CPU, RAM, or GPU installed.

Are there enough USB ports on the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic?

Yes, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic offers a comprehensive array of USB ports on the rear I/O and internal headers, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C 20Gbps.

Does the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic come with a Thunderbolt header?

Some ASRock Z790 models may include an onboard Thunderbolt header, allowing for the addition of an optional Thunderbolt expansion card.

It’s recommended to check the specific product page for confirmation.

What is the maximum RAM capacity supported?

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically supports up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM across its four DIMM slots.

Can I use a 12th Gen Intel CPU on this board?

Yes, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic, with its LGA 1700 socket, is fully compatible with Intel 12th Generation Core processors.

Is the ASR9ock Z790 PG Sonic good for content creation?

Yes, with its multiple M.2 slots for fast storage, robust power delivery for high-core count CPUs, and high-speed networking, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic is well-suited for content creation workloads.

Does it support Intel Rapid Storage Technology IRST?

Yes, as a Z790 chipset board, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic supports Intel Rapid Storage Technology IRST for RAID configurations with SATA and NVMe drives.

What is the advantage of Dr.MOS in the VRM?

Dr.MOS Driver + MOSFET components in the VRM offer higher efficiency, lower temperatures, and more stable power delivery compared to traditional discrete MOSFET designs, which is crucial for overclocking.

How many fan headers does the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically have?

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic usually provides a generous number of 4-pin PWM fan headers, often 6-8 or more, for extensive cooling control.

Is the BIOS easy to navigate for beginners?

Yes, ASRock’s UEFI BIOS typically offers an “EZ Mode” for beginners with essential settings and an “Advanced Mode” for enthusiasts, both navigable with a mouse.

Does the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic support SLI/CrossFire?

While physically capable of supporting multiple GPUs, modern Z790 boards generally do not officially support NVIDIA SLI, as NVIDIA has largely phased out the technology.

AMD CrossFire support might still be possible for some multi-GPU setups.

What is the significance of the Sonic theme?

The Sonic theme on the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic is purely aesthetic, offering a unique visual appeal and nostalgia for fans of Sonic the Hedgehog, setting it apart from standard motherboard designs.

Does the board have a clear CMOS button?

Most high-end ASRock boards, including often the Z790 PG Sonic, feature a clear CMOS button on the rear I/O panel for easy BIOS resetting.

Can I run my DDR5 RAM at XMP speeds?

Yes, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic fully supports Intel XMP 3.0 profiles, allowing you to easily run your DDR5 RAM at its advertised overclocked speeds.

Does the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic come with an integrated I/O shield?

Yes, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic typically features a pre-mounted integrated I/O shield, simplifying installation and providing a cleaner look.

How durable are the components on this motherboard?

The ASRock Z790 PG Sonic uses high-quality components like Nichicon 12K Black Capacitors and premium power chokes, contributing to excellent durability and a long lifespan.

Is the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic compatible with liquid cooling solutions?

Yes, the ASRock Z790 PG Sonic is fully compatible with various liquid cooling solutions, including AIO All-in-One coolers, and typically includes dedicated pump headers.

Asrock Z790 Pg Sonic Review