ASRock Z790 PG Lightning ATX Motherboard
Overview
The ASRock Z790 PG Lightning ATX Motherboard arrived in late 2022 as ASRock's answer to builders who wanted Z790 chipset features without the premium price tag attached to flagship boards. It fits standard ATX cases — full-tower or mid-tower — so there are no awkward compatibility headaches. ASRock has long carved out a space in the budget-to-mid-range market, and this Z790 board continues that tradition. Expect a solid, capable foundation for a 12th or 13th Gen Intel build, not an extreme overclocking platform. Think of it as a competent workhorse: it does what most builders actually need, priced where most builders actually shop.
Features & Benefits
The PG Lightning packs a 14+1+1 phase power design using Dr.MOS components, which keeps VCore delivery stable under load — important for anyone running a Core i7 or i9 at sustained workloads, and more than sufficient for mild overclocking. DDR5 memory support reaches up to 6800+ MHz with the right kit, and four DIMM slots give you room to expand as prices drop. The primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot handles current and next-generation GPUs without a bottleneck, while a secondary PCIe 4.0 slot covers add-in cards. Onboard HDMI and eDP outputs are a quiet bonus for anyone doing initial setup or running integrated graphics temporarily.
Best For
This ASRock mid-range motherboard is a natural fit for anyone building around a 13th Gen Raptor Lake processor — particularly Core i5 or i7 buyers who want modern platform features without stretching the budget to cover a premium board. Gamers and content creators get DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 readiness at a reasonable entry cost. It also suits first-time builders well: the standard ATX layout is familiar, documentation is accessible, and there is nothing exotic to navigate. One thing worth flagging upfront — the PG Lightning has no built-in WiFi. There is an M.2 Key-E slot if you want to add a wireless card later, but factor that into your parts list if wireless connectivity matters.
User Feedback
Owners of the PG Lightning generally land on the positive side, citing stable performance and solid build quality for a board at this price point. The BIOS is functional and not overly intimidating — most users report getting through initial setup without major issues, though veterans may find it a step below more premium interfaces. The most consistent complaint is the absence of WiFi and Bluetooth, which catches some buyers off guard even though it is clearly stated in the specifications. VRM thermals hold up well during typical gaming and productivity sessions, with concerns surfacing mainly under prolonged heavy CPU loads. Overall value sentiment skews positive among buyers who researched the specs beforehand.
Pros
- Stable DDR5 support with room to run memory at higher speeds via XMP or manual OC profiles.
- PCIe 5.0 x16 primary slot keeps the platform relevant for upcoming GPU generations.
- The 14+1+1 phase power design handles Core i5 and i7 loads without thermal drama.
- Four DIMM slots give genuine upgrade flexibility as DDR5 kit prices continue to fall.
- Standard ATX dimensions mean it drops into virtually any mid or full-tower case without issue.
- Onboard HDMI output is a practical lifesaver during initial setup or troubleshooting without a GPU.
- LGA 1700 socket supports both 12th and 13th Gen Intel chips, widening CPU pairing options.
- M.2 Key-E slot allows WiFi to be added later, keeping the upfront cost lower for wired users.
- Build quality and component selection feel honest and reliable for the mid-range price tier.
- The BIOS is approachable enough for first-time builders to get through setup without frustration.
Cons
- No integrated WiFi or Bluetooth — easy to overlook and annoying to discover after the build is done.
- VRM thermals can become a concern when running a high-core-count CPU under prolonged heavy loads.
- The BIOS interface lacks the polish and depth that enthusiast-grade competing boards offer.
- Only one M.2 storage slot limits NVMe expansion options for power users who need multiple fast drives.
- No USB4 or Thunderbolt support, which matters for creators using high-bandwidth external peripherals.
- The PG Lightning carries minimal RGB or aesthetic features, which may disappoint builders focused on visual builds.
- Competing Z790 boards at similar prices occasionally bundle more rear I/O ports and USB connectivity.
- No included WiFi card despite having the M.2 Key-E slot feels like an incomplete value proposition.
- BIOS update process has been flagged as less intuitive compared to rival brands at this price level.
Ratings
Our AI rating engine analyzed thousands of verified global user reviews for the ASRock Z790 PG Lightning ATX Motherboard, actively filtering out incentivized submissions, duplicate accounts, and bot-generated feedback to surface what real builders actually experienced. The scores below reflect a balanced synthesis of genuine praise and recurring frustrations — nothing is glossed over. Whether this Z790 board earns a place in your build or falls short of your needs, the scorecard tells the full story.
Value for Money
Build Quality
CPU Power Delivery
Memory Compatibility
BIOS Experience
PCIe & Expansion
Storage Options
Connectivity & I/O
Wireless Connectivity
Thermal Management
Ease of Installation
Overclocking Support
Integrated Graphics Output
Long-Term Reliability
Suitable for:
The ASRock Z790 PG Lightning ATX Motherboard is a strong match for builders who want a modern Intel platform without spending flagship money. It sits comfortably in the sweet spot for anyone pairing it with a Core i5 or Core i7 Raptor Lake processor — the power delivery is more than capable for those chips under real workloads. Gamers building a primary rig and content creators who need a stable, DDR5-ready foundation will find this Z790 board hits the right notes. First-time builders will appreciate the standard ATX layout, which is well-documented and fits virtually any mid-tower or full-tower case. If you already plan to grab a separate WiFi card or are running a wired connection, the M.2 Key-E slot means wireless can be added later without compromise. Upgraders coming from older Intel platforms who simply want a clean, capable Z790 entry point will feel right at home.
Not suitable for:
The ASRock Z790 PG Lightning ATX Motherboard is not the right call for serious overclocking enthusiasts who plan to push a Core i9 processor hard over extended sessions — the power design is solid but not built for that kind of sustained thermal stress. Buyers who need integrated WiFi and Bluetooth out of the box will be disappointed; this board ships without either, and forgetting to budget for a wireless card is a common frustration. Small form factor builders are obviously out, since this is a full ATX board and will not fit ITX or Micro-ATX cases. If you want an advanced BIOS with deep tuning controls, extensive fan curve options, or a polished interface comparable to premium boards, the PG Lightning may feel limiting. Anyone building a high-end workstation or professional production machine that demands maximum VRM headroom and every available connectivity option should look further up the product stack.
Specifications
- Form Factor: Standard ATX (12.01 x 15.91 x 1.22 inches), compatible with full-tower and mid-tower cases that support ATX builds.
- CPU Socket: LGA 1700 socket supports Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake and 13th Gen Raptor Lake Core processors.
- Chipset: Intel Z790 chipset enables PCIe 5.0 support, enhanced overclocking options, and expanded I/O compared to B-series boards.
- Memory Type: Four DDR5 DIMM slots support dual-channel memory configurations with speeds up to 6800+ MHz under XMP or manual overclock settings.
- Power Design: 14+1+1 phase power delivery using Dr.MOS components provides stable VCore and GT voltage regulation for the CPU under load.
- Primary PCIe: One PCIe 5.0 x16 slot serves as the main GPU installation point, supporting current and next-generation discrete graphics cards.
- Secondary PCIe: One PCIe 4.0 x16 slot provides a secondary expansion option suitable for additional GPUs, capture cards, or high-bandwidth add-in cards.
- Extra PCIe Slots: Three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots are available for lower-bandwidth expansion cards such as sound cards, network adapters, or USB controllers.
- WiFi Support: An M.2 Key-E slot is present for optional WiFi card installation; no wireless card is included in the box.
- Graphics Output: Onboard HDMI and eDP outputs allow display connectivity via Intel integrated graphics when no discrete GPU is installed.
- Storage Expansion: The board includes M.2 slots for NVMe SSD installation alongside standard SATA ports for additional storage devices.
- Dimensions: The board measures 12.01 x 15.91 x 1.22 inches, conforming to the standard ATX specification for broad case compatibility.
- Weight: The board weighs 3.08 pounds, typical for a fully equipped ATX motherboard with heatsinks and reinforced slots.
- CMOS Battery: One CR2032 coin cell battery is required to maintain BIOS settings and the real-time clock when the system is powered off.
- Memory Capacity: The four DIMM slots support DDR5 memory kits, with maximum supported capacity determined by Intel Z790 platform specifications.
- Platform: Designed for use with Windows operating systems, consistent with Intel LGA 1700 platform driver and software ecosystem requirements.
- CPU Compatibility: Compatible with Intel Core i3, i5, i7, and i9 processors across both 12th and 13th Gen product families on the LGA 1700 socket.
- Release Date: First made available in October 2022, coinciding with the broader Intel Z790 chipset and 13th Gen processor platform launch.
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