Overview

The ASRock Z390 PRO4 Motherboard is an ATX motherboard designed to provide a solid foundation for Intel 8th and 9th generation Core processors. Featuring the LGA1151 socket and the Intel Z390 chipset, this motherboard offers great overclocking potential and stability. It’s built for users seeking reliable performance with support for both advanced gaming and professional computing setups. This Z390 motherboard offers comprehensive features while maintaining an accessible price point. With solid performance and room for expansion, it's an excellent choice for users looking to build a system with future-proofing capabilities and strong overall performance.

Features & Benefits

The ASRock Z390 PRO4 motherboard supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory, ensuring smooth multitasking and enhanced performance. Its dual-channel memory architecture increases data transfer efficiency, while the multiple PCIe slots, including two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, allow for multi-graphics setups like CrossFireX. USB 3.1 and M.2 slots provide faster data transfer speeds, reducing bottlenecks during intensive tasks. With CrossFireX support and the ability to run multiple GPUs, this motherboard is perfect for users seeking advanced graphics performance. These features combine to make it an excellent option for both gaming and creative professionals.

Best For

This motherboard is best suited for gamers, DIY PC builders, and tech enthusiasts who prioritize performance and expandability. With its support for Intel's 8th and 9th Gen Core processors, it’s an excellent choice for affordable gaming builds or for those looking to optimize their PC for high-end gaming. Overclocking enthusiasts will appreciate its stability and customization options, while users who need multiple PCIe slots and strong graphics support will find it appealing. Its mix of expandability and price makes it ideal for those aiming to build a high-performance system on a budget.

User Feedback

Users generally praise the ASRock Z390 PRO4 motherboard for its solid build quality and easy installation. Many users found the BIOS interface to be intuitive, making it simple to configure the system and overclock. However, some audiophiles have noted that the onboard audio quality could be improved for more immersive sound. Despite this, the motherboard's performance in gaming and daily tasks is widely regarded as reliable, and its multi-graphics support is particularly appreciated by those looking to enhance their PC’s capabilities without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • This motherboard offers excellent value for users building mid-range gaming PCs.
  • Ideal for DIY builders with Intel 8th and 9th generation processors.
  • Solid overclocking potential for users seeking a customizable performance boost.
  • Multiple PCIe slots make it a great choice for multi-graphics setups.
  • USB 3.1 and M.2 support provide faster data transfer speeds for modern storage solutions.
  • Users appreciate the ease of installation and intuitive BIOS interface.

Cons

  • The onboard audio, while functional, doesn't meet the high standards expected by audiophiles.
  • Limited future-proofing for users who want the latest cutting-edge features.
  • May not provide the best stability for extreme overclocking or very high-end multi-GPU setups.
  • Some users report the build quality could be better for heavy-duty builds.
  • Lack of advanced cooling options could be a limitation for high-performance systems.
  • Not ideal for users seeking premium features or ultra-high performance for demanding applications.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from various platforms and languages, we have compiled scores reflecting both strengths and areas of improvement for the ASRock Z390 PRO4 Motherboard. Only authentic, high-quality feedback was considered, ensuring a comprehensive overview of this motherboard’s real-world performance. Reviews from gamers, DIY builders, and tech enthusiasts contributed to a balanced picture, showcasing the motherboard’s gaming potential, ease of use, and some user concerns about audio quality. Below, you'll find detailed category scores based on global insights, highlighting both the advantages and the drawbacks of this product.

Performance for Gaming
88%
Many gamers appreciate the solid gaming performance of this motherboard, especially for its price. The ability to handle demanding games and deliver smooth performance with multi-graphics setups is a key highlight, making it a strong choice for budget-conscious gamers looking for reliable performance.
Some users have noted that while it performs well, it could struggle with the latest high-end games at max settings, particularly when paired with lower-end GPUs. A few reviews mention that it’s not as future-proof as other more premium boards for gaming enthusiasts.
Overclocking Stability
84%
The motherboard provides good overclocking potential, with many users reporting stable performance even when pushing the CPU to higher frequencies. The BIOS is well-optimized for easy overclocking, giving tech enthusiasts a solid foundation for tuning their system.
However, some buyers found that the overclocking results weren’t as stable as they had hoped, especially when paired with higher-end CPUs. A few users mentioned that advanced tuning could require more tweaking and that some limitations may appear with extreme overclocking.
Value for Money
92%
For its price, this motherboard offers excellent value with its rich feature set, including CrossFireX support and plenty of connectivity options. Users looking for a well-rounded motherboard with decent performance for gaming and productivity will find this a very cost-effective choice.
Despite its great price-to-performance ratio, some users felt that the feature set is lacking when compared to similarly priced boards from other brands, particularly in areas like audio quality or advanced connectivity options.
Ease of Installation
90%
The installation process is straightforward, with clear documentation and an easy-to-navigate BIOS. Many users report quick setups, even for those with minimal building experience, thanks to intuitive ports and socket placements.
A few users did experience some difficulty with certain connections due to the motherboard’s layout, specifically with tight spaces around the CPU socket area when installing aftermarket coolers.
Multi-Graphics Setup (CrossFireX)
85%
The two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for multi-graphics setups are a big plus for users aiming to run CrossFireX. Many report solid performance when running dual GPU setups, making this a suitable choice for gamers and creators seeking extra graphical horsepower.
However, some buyers found the setup process for multi-GPU configurations to be tricky, and not all reported seamless compatibility with every CrossFireX GPU combination, leading to occasional issues with system stability.
BIOS Interface
89%
The BIOS is often praised for its user-friendly interface, especially for first-time builders. The layout is clean and intuitive, and many users mention the ease of navigating through settings and making adjustments.
On the flip side, a few users felt that the BIOS could have more advanced options for fine-tuning system performance. There were also occasional reports of minor bugs in the BIOS that impacted system settings retention after restarts.
Memory Support (Up to 64GB DDR4)
87%
Support for up to 64GB of DDR4 memory is a great selling point for users looking to build a system for high-end gaming or content creation. The dual-channel architecture helps improve overall system responsiveness and multitasking performance.
A small group of users noted that while the motherboard supports a large amount of memory, it sometimes struggles with higher speeds, particularly when using memory modules above 3000MHz. This led to minor instability in certain configurations.
Connectivity & Ports (USB/M.2)
91%
With USB 3.1 ports and M.2 support, this motherboard excels at providing fast data transfer speeds. Many users appreciate the convenience of having modern, high-speed ports that support a range of peripherals and storage devices, making it suitable for demanding users.
Some reviews mentioned that the overall number of ports could be limiting for users with extensive peripheral setups, especially in terms of USB 2.0 ports, which some consider outdated for modern needs.
Build Quality
88%
Users are generally impressed with the solid build quality of this motherboard. The PCB feels durable, and the overall design is sleek and well-engineered, offering good longevity for users looking to build a stable system.
However, a few buyers noted that the build quality isn’t as premium as some higher-end boards, especially around the I/O shield and connectors. Some mentioned minor flexing of the board when installing heavy components like large GPUs.
Onboard Audio Quality
65%
35%
The motherboard’s onboard audio is functional for general use and light gaming, providing clear sound for most users. It’s adequate for a basic setup without the need for a dedicated sound card or external DAC.
Several audiophiles and users with high-quality headphones expressed disappointment with the audio quality. The Realtek ALC892 chipset doesn’t deliver the level of clarity and detail required by users seeking high-end audio performance, leading many to invest in a separate sound solution.
Compatibility with Intel 8th/9th Gen CPUs
93%
This motherboard is widely appreciated for its compatibility with Intel’s 8th and 9th generation Core processors. Users highlight smooth performance when pairing with these chips, making it a reliable choice for Intel-based builds.
While compatibility is generally good, some users found that the motherboard struggles with the latest processors in terms of future-proofing. Users upgrading to newer Intel CPUs after building their system have experienced some limitations.
Customer Support & Warranty
80%
20%
ASRock’s customer support is praised for its responsiveness and willingness to assist with troubleshooting. The warranty provided is another positive, giving users peace of mind when purchasing this motherboard.
Some users have reported slow response times from customer service, especially when dealing with issues related to faulty parts or returns. A few reviews mentioned the lack of proactive support when issues arise, causing frustration for some buyers.

Suitable for:

The ASRock Z390 PRO4 Motherboard is ideal for gamers and DIY PC builders seeking a reliable, affordable option that supports Intel’s 8th and 9th generation processors. Its solid overclocking potential and multi-graphics support, including CrossFireX, make it a good choice for those looking to build a system for gaming or content creation on a budget. Enthusiasts seeking a motherboard that delivers stability and speed for multitasking, such as handling up to 64GB of DDR4 memory, will also benefit from this product. It is a practical option for users who want a customizable and upgradeable platform for their builds.

Not suitable for:

However, the ASRock Z390 PRO4 Motherboard may not be the best fit for users who prioritize high-end audio quality or plan to use the most demanding components. Audiophiles, in particular, may find the onboard audio lacking, as the Realtek ALC892 does not meet the expectations of those looking for premium sound. Additionally, users expecting seamless performance with extreme overclocking or multi-GPU setups may encounter limitations, especially when pushing hardware to its limits. This motherboard might not be ideal for those seeking cutting-edge features or extreme future-proofing for their builds.

Specifications

  • Form Factor: The motherboard uses an ATX form factor, providing ample space for expandability and multiple components.
  • Socket Type: Supports LGA1151 socket for Intel 8th and 9th generation Core processors.
  • Chipset: Equipped with the Intel Z390 chipset, designed for enhanced performance and stability.
  • Memory Support: Supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory with dual-channel architecture for improved performance.
  • PCIe Slots: Has two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for flexible expansion options.
  • CrossFireX Support: Supports Quad CrossFireX and CrossFireX for multi-GPU configurations to enhance graphics performance.
  • M.2 Slots: Includes M.2 slots for fast storage solutions, supporting both NVMe and SATA drives.
  • USB Ports: Provides 4x USB 3.1 ports and 2x USB 2.0 ports for a range of connectivity options.
  • Audio: Integrated Realtek ALC892 audio chipset provides 7.1-channel surround sound.
  • Ethernet: Includes a Gigabit LAN port for high-speed wired networking.
  • Operating System Support: Compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11 for a seamless user experience.
  • Overclocking Support: Supports CPU and memory overclocking, allowing for customized performance tuning.
  • Power Delivery: Features a robust 8-phase power delivery system designed to handle overclocking loads.
  • Cooling Features: Equipped with multiple fan headers and cooling zones to manage temperature under heavy load.
  • Graphics Outputs: Supports HDMI and DisplayPort for integrated graphics output.
  • Expansion Slots: Includes additional PCIe x1 slots for expansion cards such as sound or network cards.
  • Memory Speed: Supports DDR4 memory with speeds up to 2933 MHz, with higher speeds available through overclocking.
  • Dimensions: The motherboard has standard ATX dimensions of 12 x 9.6 inches (30.5 x 24.4 cm).
  • Warranty: Comes with a standard 3-year limited warranty from ASRock.

FAQ

The ASRock Z390 PRO4 Motherboard supports Intel 8th and 9th generation Core processors, utilizing the LGA1151 socket. It's compatible with both i3, i5, i7, and i9 processors from these generations, offering flexibility for mid-range to high-end builds.

Many users report that the ASRock Z390 PRO4 Motherboard is straightforward to install, especially for those with some experience in PC building. The BIOS interface is clear, and the motherboard's layout makes component installation quite manageable, even for novice builders.

This motherboard supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory with dual-channel architecture, providing ample space for demanding applications and gaming. It supports speeds up to 2933 MHz, though overclocking can enable higher speeds depending on your configuration.

Yes, this motherboard supports multi-graphics setups. It has two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots that can accommodate multiple GPUs for enhanced gaming or professional workloads, as well as support for Quad CrossFireX and CrossFireX technologies to maximize performance.

Yes, the ASRock Z390 PRO4 Motherboard is compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The required drivers are available, ensuring smooth installation and operation on both operating systems.

The onboard audio is powered by the Realtek ALC892 codec, which delivers solid sound for everyday use, but audiophiles or users seeking premium audio quality might find it lacking compared to dedicated sound cards or high-end motherboards.

Yes, the ASRock Z390 PRO4 includes USB 3.1 ports for faster data transfer and supports M.2 slots for NVMe or SATA-based storage devices, ensuring quick boot times and fast file access.

This motherboard is built with stable overclocking in mind. Many users have reported good results when pushing both the CPU and RAM, thanks to the robust power delivery system and cooling solutions. However, extreme overclocking may require additional cooling to maintain stability.

Yes, the ASRock Z390 PRO4 is a great choice for gamers looking for a cost-effective yet reliable motherboard with support for multi-graphics setups and solid overclocking potential. However, if you're planning on using multiple high-end GPUs, you may want to consider additional cooling solutions for optimal performance.

While the ASRock Z390 PRO4 is excellent for most gaming and enthusiast builds, power users looking for features like 10GbE Ethernet or Wi-Fi support may find it lacking. Additionally, extreme overclockers might find the board's cooling solutions to be insufficient for the highest-level performance demands.