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ASRock MB ASROCK | Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
ASRock

ASRock MB ASROCK | Z790 Steel Legend WiFi

Bottom line: The ASRock MB ASROCK: 16+1+1 phase VRM with SPS handles 13th Gen Core overclocking; main trade-off: realtek ALC897 codec trails ALC1220 on premium boards.

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Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 16+1+1 phase VRM with SPS handles 13th Gen Core overclocking
  • ✓ PCIe 5.0 x16 slot ready for next-gen GPUs
  • ✓ 5 M.2 slots total: 1 Gen5x4 plus 4 Gen4x4 for fast SSDs
  • ✓ Wi-Fi 6E plus 2.5G LAN and Bluetooth built in
  • ✓ DDR5 across 4 DIMMs, rated to 6800+ MHz overclocked

Cons

  • ✗ Realtek ALC897 codec trails ALC1220 on premium boards
  • ✗ No USB4 or Thunderbolt despite the price
  • ✗ Only Intel 12th/13th Gen; no native 14th Gen listing
  • ✗ DisplayPort and HDMI only; no USB-C video output

Manufacturer description

Supports 13th Gen & 12th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors 16+1+1 Phase Power Design, SPS for VCore+GT 4 x DDR5 DIMMs, supports up to 6800+(OC) 1 PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 M.2 Key-E for WiFi Graphics Output Options: 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, eDP 7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec), Nahimic Audio 1 Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5x4), 4 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4), 8 SATA3 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front), 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (Rear), 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear), 12 USB 3.2 Gen1 (8 Rear, 4 Front), 3 USB 2.0 (3 Front) Realtek 2.5G LAN 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored ASRock MB ASROCK using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the motherboards category. ASRock's motherboards lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for motherboards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • Supports 13th Gen & 12th Gen Intel Core Processors
  • 16+1+1 Phase Power Design, SPS for VCore+GT
  • 4 x DDR5 DIMMs, supports up to 6800+(OC)
  • 1 PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 M.2 Key-E for WiFi
  • Graphics Output Options: 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, eDP

Full Specifications

BrandASRock
USB 2.02
PlatformWindows
CPU ModelCore i5
CPU SocketLGA 1700
Model NameZ790 STEEL LEGEND WIFI
Unit Count1 Count
Chipset TypeIntel Z790
ConnectivityWiFi
Model NumberZ790 STEEL LEGEND WIFI
Chipset Familyintel z790
Mfr Part NumberZ790 STEEL LEGEND WIFI
Number of Ports28
Total Usb Ports27
Processor SocketLGA 1700
Total PCIe Ports3
Total SATA Ports8
Compatible DevicesPersonal Computer
Memory Clock Speed3600 MHz
Warranty Description3 years

Ready to buy?

ASRock MB ASROCK | Z790 Steel Legend WiFi is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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