Asrock Z590 Phantom Gaming Itxtb4 Review

The ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 stands out as a compelling choice for enthusiasts looking to build a high-performance Small Form Factor SFF PC, offering robust power delivery, a comprehensive feature set including Thunderbolt 4, and excellent connectivity in a compact Mini-ITX form factor.

This board is designed to squeeze maximum performance out of Intel’s 10th and 11th Gen Core processors, making it a strong contender for gaming, content creation, and workstation builds where space is at a premium but compromise on features isn’t an option.

Its integration of cutting-edge I/O and solid VRM design positions it well against competitors, particularly for those who prioritize future-proof connectivity and reliable overclocking in a small footprint.

Here’s a comparison of similar high-performance ITX motherboards and related components for a full picture:

• ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4

  

  • Key Features: Intel Z590 Chipset, LGA 1200 socket, Mini-ITX form factor, Thunderbolt 4 USB4 compliant, Killer E3100G 2.5G LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6E, PCIe 4.0 x16, Dual M.2 slots one PCIe 4.0, 10 Phase Dr.MOS power design.
  • Average Price: $300 – $350
  • Pros: Excellent connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E, robust power delivery for overclocking, compact size for SFF builds, PCIe 4.0 support for 11th Gen Intel CPUs.
  • Cons: Higher price point, only two DIMM slots common for ITX, limited fan headers compared to ATX boards.

• ASUS ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming

  • Key Features: Intel Z590 Chipset, LGA 1200 socket, Mini-ITX, Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, PCIe 4.0 x16, Dual M.2 slots, 8+2 power stages.
  • Average Price: $320 – $370
  • Pros: Premium build quality, excellent BIOS interface, strong VRM, competitive Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet.
  • Cons: No Thunderbolt 4, typically slightly more expensive than the ASRock equivalent.

• GIGABYTE Z590I AORUS Ultra

  • Key Features: Intel Z590 Chipset, LGA 1200 socket, Mini-ITX, Intel 2.5GbE LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6E, PCIe 4.0 x16, Dual M.2 slots, Direct 8+1 Phases Digital VRM.
  • Average Price: $280 – $330
  • Pros: Strong VRM for its class, competitive pricing, good cooling solutions for M.2, Wi-Fi 6E.
  • Cons: No Thunderbolt 4, some users report less refined BIOS compared to ASUS or ASRock.

• Intel Core i9-11900K Processor Qnap Ts 451D2 Review

  • Key Features: 8 Cores/16 Threads, up to 5.3 GHz, LGA 1200, Intel UHD Graphics 750, unlocked for overclocking, PCIe 4.0 support.
  • Average Price: $400 – $500
  • Pros: Top-tier gaming performance for its generation, good single-core performance, PCIe 4.0 support.
  • Cons: Runs hot under load, high power consumption when overclocked, fewer cores than some competitors.

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Graphics Card

  • Key Features: Ampere architecture, 10GB/12GB GDDR6X VRAM, PCIe 4.0, DLSS, Ray Tracing.
  • Average Price: $700 – $1000+ depending on market and model
  • Pros: Excellent 4K gaming performance, strong ray tracing capabilities, DLSS is a must for performance.
  • Cons: High power draw, can be difficult to fit in some SFF cases, pricing can be volatile.

• Corsair SF750 Power Supply

  • Key Features: 750W, 80 PLUS Platinum certified, SFX form factor, fully modular, zero RPM fan mode.
  • Average Price: $160 – $200
  • Pros: High efficiency, perfect for SFF builds due to SFX form factor, quiet operation, fully modular cables for clean builds.
  • Cons: Higher price per watt compared to ATX PSUs, sometimes limited availability.

• Noctua NH-L9i Low Profile CPU Cooler

  • Key Features: Low-profile design 37mm height, 92mm fan, excellent quiet operation, LGA 1200 compatible.
  • Average Price: $40 – $50
  • Pros: Extremely compact, ideal for very small ITX cases, virtually silent operation for its size, excellent build quality.
  • Cons: Limited cooling capacity for high-TDP CPUs, better suited for lower-end i5/i7 or undervolted CPUs rather than heavily overclocked i9s.

Unpacking the ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4: A Deep Dive

The ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 aims to defy the notion that small form factor SFF PCs must compromise on performance or connectivity.

This Mini-ITX motherboard, built around Intel’s Z590 chipset, offers a compelling blend of features for enthusiasts and power users.

Let’s break down what makes this board tick and why it’s a serious contender for your next compact build.

Power Delivery and Overclocking Potential: Punching Above Its Weight

One of the most critical aspects of any high-performance motherboard, especially for overclocking, is its power delivery system, or VRM Voltage Regulator Module. The ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 does not disappoint in this regard.

• Robust VRM Design: The board features a 10-phase Dr.MOS power design with 90A power chokes. Dr.MOS is a highly efficient integrated power stage solution that combines the driver IC, top and bottom MOSFETs into a single package. This integration leads to better efficiency, lower temperatures, and more stable power delivery, crucial for pushing Intel’s power-hungry 10th and 11th Gen Core processors.
• Cooling Efficiency: ASRock understands that good power delivery needs equally good cooling. The VRM heatsinks on this board are substantial for an ITX form factor, designed to dissipate heat effectively. This ensures that even under heavy load or during prolonged overclocking sessions, the VRMs remain within optimal operating temperatures, preventing throttling and maintaining stability.
  • Key Components:
    • Aluminum Alloy Heatsink: Large surface area for heat dissipation.
    • Thermal Pads: Efficiently transfer heat from VRM components to the heatsink.
    • Premium 90A Power Chokes: Provide robust and efficient current to the CPU.
• Overclocking Performance: For its size, the Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 offers impressive overclocking headroom. Users can confidently push even an Intel Core i9-11900K, provided they have adequate CPU cooling and case airflow. Expect to achieve stable overclocks on the CPU and memory, unlocking extra performance that’s vital for demanding tasks like high-refresh-rate gaming or professional content creation.
  • Real-world Example: Tech reviewers have consistently shown this board capable of maintaining stable 5.0GHz+ overclocks on all cores for an i9-11900K, a feat that some larger ATX boards struggle with under certain conditions. This is a testament to its well-engineered power delivery.

Connectivity and I/O: A Compact Hub of High-Speed Ports

Despite its diminutive size, the ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 is packed with a comprehensive array of connectivity options, making it a true mini-powerhouse.

• Thunderbolt 4 USB4 compliant: This is a standout feature. The integrated Thunderbolt 4 port delivers up to 40Gbps bidirectional bandwidth, allowing for single-cable docking solutions, external GPU enclosures, high-speed external SSDs, and daisy-chaining multiple displays. This level of versatility is rare on ITX boards and incredibly valuable for professionals and enthusiasts.
  • Applications:
    • Connecting high-resolution monitors e.g., 8K displays.
    • Utilizing external GPU docks for increased graphics performance without sacrificing internal space.
    • Blazing-fast data transfers to external NVMe enclosures.
• Networking Excellence:
  • Killer E3100G 2.5 Gigabit LAN: Provides ultra-fast wired network connectivity, essential for competitive online gaming and large file transfers within a local network.
  • Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210: The latest wireless standard, Wi-Fi 6E, expands into the 6GHz band, offering cleaner, faster, and lower-latency wireless performance when paired with a compatible router. This is critical for cable-free, high-bandwidth applications.
• Storage Solutions:
  • Dual M.2 Slots: The board features two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs. Crucially, one of these is a PCIe Gen4 x4 slot, directly connected to the CPU for 11th Gen Intel processors, providing speeds up to 7000MB/s. The second M.2 slot is PCIe Gen3 x4. This configuration allows for both a primary lightning-fast boot drive and secondary high-capacity storage.
  • SATA 6Gb/s Ports: Two SATA 6Gb/s ports are available for traditional SSDs or HDDs, though in an SFF build, these are often less utilized.
• USB Connectivity: A variety of USB ports are present, including USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C for fast peripheral connections, ensuring you have enough ports for all your devices.

PCIe 4.0 Support: Unleashing Next-Gen Performance

With the introduction of Intel’s 11th Gen Rocket Lake processors, the Z590 chipset brought native PCIe 4.0 support to the platform.

The ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 fully embraces this, providing significant bandwidth upgrades. Asus Rog Strix Z590 I Gaming Wi Fi Review

• Primary PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot: This slot is directly wired to the CPU and is capable of providing PCIe 4.0 bandwidth when an 11th Gen Intel Core processor is installed. This means your high-end graphics card like an NVIDIA RTX 30-series or AMD RX 6000-series can operate at its full potential, minimizing bottlenecks and maximizing gaming and rendering performance.
  • Impact on Gaming: While PCIe 3.0 x16 still offers ample bandwidth for most current games, PCIe 4.0 ensures future-proofing and can provide marginal gains in specific scenarios, especially with texture-heavy titles or when coupled with faster NVMe storage.
• PCIe 4.0 M.2 Slot: As mentioned, one of the M.2 slots also leverages PCIe 4.0, directly benefiting from the increased bandwidth for ultra-fast NVMe SSDs. This drastically reduces load times for games, large applications, and complex project files.
  • Data Transfer Speeds: Think about loading a massive 100GB game in seconds rather than minutes. That’s the practical benefit of PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives.
• Backward Compatibility: It’s important to note that while the board supports PCIe 4.0, it remains fully backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 devices. If you use a 10th Gen Intel CPU, the PCIe slots will operate at PCIe 3.0 speeds.

Design, Aesthetics, and Cooling Philosophy: Style Meets Substance

ASRock’s Phantom Gaming series has a distinct aesthetic, and the ITX/TB4 board maintains that identity while adapting it for the compact form factor.

• Compact Yet Capable: The Mini-ITX form factor 170mm x 170mm is the cornerstone of this board’s appeal. It allows for incredibly small PC builds, perfect for living room PCs, portable workstations, or minimalist desk setups.
• Phantom Gaming Aesthetics: The board incorporates the signature black and red color scheme of the Phantom Gaming line, with sleek lines and subtle RGB lighting. The VRM heatsinks are substantial and stylish, contributing to both performance and visual appeal.
  • Polychrome RGB: ASRock’s Polychrome RGB allows users to synchronize RGB lighting across compatible components, including the motherboard, fans, and LED strips, providing a cohesive look for the entire system.
• Integrated Cooling: Beyond the VRM heatsinks, ASRock also includes an integrated M.2 heatsink for the primary PCIe 4.0 slot. This is crucial for high-speed NVMe drives, as they can throttle under sustained load if not adequately cooled. This integrated solution ensures consistent performance from your fastest storage.
• Layout Considerations: For an ITX board, the layout is generally well-thought-out. Fan headers, although limited typically two or three, are strategically placed. The positioning of the M.2 slots and the PCIe x16 slot allows for relatively easy installation of components, though cable management in SFF cases is always a challenge.
  • Challenge with Large CPU Coolers: While the VRM heatsinks are effective, users opting for large air coolers or AIOs should always check for compatibility with their chosen case and RAM modules, as clearances are tight in ITX builds.

BIOS and Software Experience: Fine-Tuning Your System

A motherboard’s BIOS Basic Input/Output System and accompanying software suite play a crucial role in user experience, from initial setup to long-term tuning.

• ASRock UEFI BIOS: The ASRock UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Interface BIOS is generally well-regarded for its straightforward layout and comprehensive features.
  • EZ Mode: For beginners, the EZ Mode provides quick access to essential settings like boot order, fan control, and basic system information.
  • Advanced Mode: Enthusiasts will spend most of their time in the Advanced Mode, which offers granular control over CPU and memory overclocking, voltage adjustments, fan curves, and various other system parameters.
  • Key Features:
    • OC Tweaker: Dedicated section for overclocking CPU and memory.
    • Fan-Tastic Tuning: Intuitive graphical interface for setting custom fan curves based on temperature.
    • Instant Flash: Easy utility for updating the BIOS directly from a USB drive.
• Software Utilities: ASRock provides several software utilities for Windows that complement the BIOS functionality.
  • ASRock App Shop: A central hub for downloading drivers, utilities, and third-party software.
  • Phantom Gaming Tuning: Allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment of CPU frequencies, voltages, and fan speeds directly from the desktop.
  • Polychrome RGB: Software for customizing and synchronizing the motherboard’s RGB lighting with other compatible components.
  • Killer Control Center: For the Killer E3100G LAN, this software prioritizes network traffic for gaming and streaming, reducing latency and improving overall network performance.

Practical Considerations for an ITX Build: What You Need to Know

Building an SFF PC with a board like the ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 presents unique opportunities and challenges.

• Case Selection is Paramount: The choice of Mini-ITX case will dictate much about your build. Cases vary wildly in size, cooling potential, and component compatibility e.g., GPU length, CPU cooler height, PSU type.
  • Examples: Popular cases like the Fractal Design Ridge, Cooler Master NR200P MAX, or DAN Cases A4-SFX each offer different philosophies regarding space optimization and cooling.
• Cooling Solutions: High-end Intel CPUs, especially the 11th Gen, can run hot. In an ITX case, airflow is often restricted.
  • CPU Cooler: You’ll need to carefully select a CPU cooler that fits within your case’s height restrictions while offering adequate cooling performance. Low-profile air coolers like the Noctua NH-L9i are excellent for very small cases, but for an i7 or i9, an AIO liquid cooler e.g., 120mm or 240mm if the case supports it is often recommended.
  • Case Fans: Ensuring proper intake and exhaust fans are critical for managing internal case temperatures.
• Power Supply Unit PSU: Most ITX cases require an SFX or SFX-L form factor PSU. These are more compact than standard ATX PSUs but often carry a price premium. A high-quality Corsair SF750 is often recommended for its reliability and quiet operation.
• Cable Management: This is often the most challenging aspect of an SFF build. Fully modular PSUs and custom-length cables can greatly assist in maintaining good airflow and a clean aesthetic.

Conclusion: Is the ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 Right for You?

The ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 is undoubtedly one of the best Mini-ITX motherboards from the Z590 generation.

It offers a premium feature set, including top-tier power delivery, cutting-edge connectivity like Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E, and PCIe 4.0 support, all in a compact form factor.

Who is this board for?

• SFF Enthusiasts: If you’re passionate about building small, powerful PCs without sacrificing performance.
• Gamers: Who want a high-end gaming rig that can fit into a living room or a small desk space.
• Content Creators: Leveraging Thunderbolt 4 for fast external storage and monitors, alongside the power of an 11th Gen Intel CPU.
• Users Demanding Future-Proof Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E provide excellent longevity.

While its price point is on the higher side for an ITX board, the features and performance it delivers justify the investment for those who truly need and appreciate its capabilities.

If you’re building a compact powerhouse, the ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 should be at the top of your shortlist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4?

The ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 is a high-performance Mini-ITX motherboard designed for Intel’s 10th and 11th generation Core processors, featuring the Intel Z590 chipset and a robust set of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4.

What CPU socket does the ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 use?

It uses the LGA 1200 socket, compatible with Intel’s 10th Gen Comet Lake-S and 11th Gen Rocket Lake-S Core processors. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 Review

Does the ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 support PCIe 4.0?

Yes, when paired with an 11th Gen Intel Core processor, it fully supports PCIe 4.0 for the primary PCIe x16 slot and one M.2 NVMe slot.

With a 10th Gen CPU, these slots will operate at PCIe 3.0 speeds.

How many M.2 slots does this motherboard have?

The ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 features two M.2 slots.

One supports PCIe 4.0 x4 for 11th Gen CPUs and the other supports PCIe 3.0 x4.

Does the ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 have Thunderbolt?

Yes, it includes a Thunderbolt 4 port, which is also compliant with the USB4 standard, offering 40Gbps bandwidth.

What kind of LAN does it have?

It is equipped with a Killer E3100G 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, providing high-speed wired network connectivity.

Does it support Wi-Fi 6E?

Yes, it comes with Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210, supporting the latest Wi-Fi standard in the 6GHz band for faster and lower-latency wireless performance.

How many RAM slots does an ITX motherboard typically have?

Mini-ITX motherboards like the ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 typically have two DIMM slots for RAM, supporting dual-channel memory configurations.

What is the maximum RAM capacity supported?

This board supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM across its two slots.

Is the ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 good for overclocking?

Yes, it features a robust 10-phase Dr.MOS power design with 90A power chokes, making it very capable for CPU and memory overclocking despite its small size. Forza Horizon 5 For Pc Review

What kind of cooling does the VRM have?

It has substantial aluminum alloy heatsinks over the VRM area with premium thermal pads to ensure efficient heat dissipation and stable power delivery.

Can I use a 10th Gen Intel CPU with this board?

Yes, you can use 10th Gen Intel Core processors, but the PCIe slots and M.2 slots will operate at PCIe 3.0 speeds instead of PCIe 4.0.

What are the benefits of Thunderbolt 4?

Thunderbolt 4 offers 40Gbps bandwidth, allowing for single-cable solutions for external displays up to 8K, external GPUs, high-speed storage, and daisy-chaining multiple devices.

What is the form factor of this motherboard?

It is a Mini-ITX form factor motherboard, measuring 170mm x 170mm, ideal for small form factor PC builds.

What types of cases are compatible with this board?

It is compatible with any Mini-ITX PC case.

Popular examples include the Cooler Master NR200, Fractal Design Ridge, or NZXT H1.

Do I need a specific type of power supply for an ITX build?

Most Mini-ITX cases require an SFX or SFX-L form factor power supply due to space constraints, rather than a standard ATX PSU.

Does the board have integrated RGB lighting?

Yes, it features ASRock Polychrome RGB lighting, which can be synchronized with other compatible components.

Are there enough fan headers on an ITX board for good cooling?

ITX boards typically have fewer fan headers than larger ATX boards often 2-3. You may need fan splitters or a fan hub if you plan to use many case fans.

How does the ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 compare to ASUS ROG Strix Z590-I Gaming?

Both are premium ITX Z590 boards. Wyze Cam Pan V2 Review

The ASRock board includes Thunderbolt 4, while the ASUS typically focuses on a slightly more refined BIOS and arguably better bundled software, but lacks Thunderbolt. Their VRM performance is comparable.

Is the integrated M.2 heatsink effective?

Yes, the integrated heatsink on the primary M.2 slot is effective at preventing thermal throttling for high-speed NVMe SSDs, especially during sustained heavy workloads.

Can I run two GPUs on this board?

No, as a Mini-ITX board, it only has one PCIe x16 slot, meaning it can only accommodate a single graphics card.

What’s the advantage of Wi-Fi 6E over Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6E utilizes the 6GHz frequency band, which is less congested than the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

This results in cleaner signals, higher throughput, and lower latency, especially in crowded wireless environments.

Is this board suitable for gaming?

Absolutely.

Its robust power delivery, PCIe 4.0 support for GPUs and NVMe, and high-speed networking make it an excellent choice for a high-performance gaming PC.

Does it come with a CPU cooler?

No, motherboards do not typically come with CPU coolers.

You will need to purchase a compatible CPU cooler separately.

What is Dr.MOS technology?

Dr.MOS is an integrated power stage solution that optimizes current delivery to the CPU, leading to higher efficiency, lower operating temperatures, and more stable voltage regulation, which is beneficial for overclocking. Tile Slim Review

How do I update the BIOS on this motherboard?

You can update the BIOS using ASRock’s Instant Flash utility directly from the BIOS interface via a USB drive.

Some ASRock boards also support BIOS Flashback, though you should verify if this specific model has it.

What is the recommended CPU for this motherboard?

For optimal performance and to utilize PCIe 4.0, an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 or i9 processor like the i7-11700K or i9-11900K is recommended.

However, it also works well with 10th Gen i5/i7/i9 CPUs.

What is the purpose of the Killer E3100G LAN?

The Killer E3100G provides 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and comes with Killer Control Center software, which can prioritize network traffic for gaming and streaming, reducing lag and improving responsiveness.

Are there any limitations to consider for SFF builds with this board?

Yes, limitations include restricted CPU cooler height, GPU length constraints depending on the case, limited fan headers, and potentially more challenging cable management compared to larger ATX builds.

Is this a good choice for a compact workstation?

Yes, its robust power delivery, dual M.2 slots one PCIe 4.0, and especially the Thunderbolt 4 port make it an excellent choice for a compact workstation that needs high-speed connectivity and performance.