Introduction

Last July, AMD released the Ryzen 3000 series desktop processors in one of the most monumental hardware launches of the modern era. This final step completed the Red brand's ascent back into the forefront of the desktop processor market that began with the launch of the first generation of Ryzen CPUs. Intel is now finally firing back with the launch of the 10th Generation Intel Core processors, along with a new motherboard standard to drive them.

As should be no surprise, the focus will remain on the new motherboards. While the 10th Generation Intel Core processors will not support PCIe 4.0 connectivity due to signal integrity issues, many of the Z490 motherboards are designed to support the PCIe 4.0 specification. This is accomplished by adding clock generators to help clean up the signal. Generally speaking, when it comes to long-term platform support, AMD has been the trendsetter. Has AMD's long support of the AM4 socket on its newer generation processors inspired Intel to take similar steps?

So what is Z490 offering right now? For starters, there has been a large focus on VRM and VRM cooling design. With the top-level Intel Core i9-10900K featuring 10 cores along with HyperThreading, the ability to deliver clean, continuous power is going to be one of the primary factors that separates a good Z490 board from the competition. With the introduction of HyperThreading on Intel's mid-range line-up, power delivery is going to be vital in all segments.



The ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming ITX/TB3 is another board hailing from ASRock's highly successful Phantom Gaming line. ASRock's Phantom Gaming family of motherboards was introduced with the Z390 platform not much more than a year ago. The product line features black, red, and gray styling, 2.5 Gb/s LAN, and an emphasis on performance. The ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming ITX/TB3 follows the legacy of previous Phantom Gaming ITX boards with included Thunderbolt 3 support, as well as a unique vertical M.2 mount that allows for a large Chipset heatsink.

This motherboard features a 10-phase VRM with an actively cooled, finned VRM heatsink to deliver maximum performance with even the highest-end 10th Generation Core processors. Of course, the signature 2.5 Gb/s LAN also makes an appearance, along with Nahimic Audio, as well as a full coverage heatsink for the front M.2 slot.

Let's take a closer look at what the ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming ITX/TB3 has to offer.

Specifications

Packaging and Contents

The front of the ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming ITX/TB3 box features a gray and black background with a nicely textured appearance. "Z490 Phantom Gaming ITX/TB3" is in the bottom right, with brand badging below it along the bottom-right edge. "ASRock" is in the top-left corner. The center of the box is dominated by a large silver and red Phantom Gaming logo.

The back of the box has all the highlights: a top-down shot of the board, several panels detailing prominent features, a diagram outlining the rear I/O, and the specifications list. The box design is well executed and matches the board nicely.


The accessories are those you would expect, with the addition of a pair of Velcro cable ties. Notably absent is any kind of rear I/O shield because the shield is integrated into the board.

The full list of accessories includes:

• Manual, software setup guide, and support DVD
• Postcard and Velcro cable ties
• 2x SATA 6 Gb/s cables
• 2x M.2 mounting screws
• WiFi antenna

Board Layout

The Phantom Gaming ITX/TB3 follows the same design as its predecessors with a silver, black, and red color scheme. While it is not as neutral as some designs, it has great visual appeal and would have no trouble fitting in with most popular hardware combinations.


The CPU socket isn't as open as on full size boards, and you should check the clearance if you plan to use an air cooler. The VRM features a large, finned heatsink with two fans for active cooling. ASRock isn't playing around when it comes to power delivery.


The first VRM cooling fan sits on top of the finned section of the heatsink, underneath the rear I/O cover, while the second sits on the back of the top heatsink.


There are two M.2 slots on the ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming ITX/TB3; one low profile slot on the back of the board and another slot on the vertical card that installs just above the PCIe x16 slot.


The ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming ITX/TB3 offers one PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot encased in steel.


The board has a total of four SATA 6 Gb/s ports, two on the edge of the board and two on the vertical add-in card.


The ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming ITX/TB3 has a decent I/O offering that includes an optical S/PDIF out port.

• 2x Antenna port holes
• HDMI port
• DisplayPort 1.4 port
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports
• PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
• 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port
• Thunderbolt 3 Type-C port
• RJ-45 LAN port
• Clear CMOS button
• Optical SPDIF out port
• 5x 3.5 mm audio jacks

Networking on the ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming ITX/TB3 is handled by a Realtek RTL8125AG for 2.5 Gb/s LAN and an Intel AX201 WiFi module.