ASROCK PHANTOM GAMING Z790 NOVA WiFi User manual

Contact Information
If you need to contact ASRock or want to know more about ASRock, you’re welcome
to visit ASRock’s website at http://www.asrock.com; or you may contact your dealer
for further information. For technical questions, please submit a support request
form at https://event.asrock.com/tsd.asp
ASRock Incorporation
e-mail: [e-mail]
ASRock EUROPE B.V.
e-mail: [e-mail]
ASRock America, Inc.
e-mail: sa[email protected]
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Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
1.1 Package Contents 1
1.2 Specications 2
1.3 Motherboard Layout 7
1.4 I/O Panel 9
1.5 Block Diagram 11
1.6 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 Module and ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz
Antenna 12
1.7 Graphics Card Holder 13
1.8 Wireless Dongle USB Bracket 14
Chapter 2 Installation 15
2.1 Installing the CPU 16
2.2 Installing the CPU Fan and Heatsink 18
2.3 Installing Memory Modules (DIMM) 19
2.4 Connecting the Front Panel Header 21
2.5 Installing the Motherboard 22
2.6 Installing SATA Drives 23
2.7 Installing a Graphics Card 25
2.8 Connecting Peripheral Devices 27
2.9 Connecting the Power Connectors 28
2.10 Power On 29
2.11 Onboard Headers and Connectors 30

2.12 Smart Buttons 48
2.13 Dr. Debug 50
2.14 M.2 SSD Card Installation Guide (M2_1) 56
2.15 M.2 SSD Card Installation Guide (M2_2 and M2_3) 60
2.16 M.2 SSD Card Installation Guide (M2_4) 62
2.17 M.2 SSD Card Installation Guide (M2_5) 65
2.18 M.2 SSD Card Installation Guide (M2_6) 68

1
Z790 Nova WiFi
Chapter 1 Introduction
ank you for purchasing ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi motherboard, a reliable
motherboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control.
It delivers excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s
commitment to quality and endurance.
1.1 Package Contents
• ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi Motherboard (ATX Form Factor)
• ASRock Z790 Nova WiFi User Manual
• 4 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
• 1 x Graphics Card Holder (Optional)
• 1 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antenna (Optional)
• 1 x ARGB Splitter Cable (Optional)
• 3 x ermistor Cables (Optional)
• 5 x Screws for M.2 Sockets (Optional)
• 5 x Standos for M.2 Sockets (Optional)
Because the motherboard specications and the BIOS soware might be updated, the
content of this documentation will be subject to change without notice. In case any modi-
cations of this documentation occur, the updated version will be available on ASRock’s
website without further notice. If you require technical support related to this mother-
board, please visit our website for specic information about the model you are using. You
may nd the latest VGA cards and CPU support list on ASRock’s website as well. ASRock
website http://www.asrock.com.

2
1.2 Specications
Platform • ATX Form Factor
• 8 Layer PCB
• 2oz Copper PCB
CPU • Supports 14th, 13th & 12th Gen Intel® CoreTM Processors
(LGA1700)
• Supports Intel® Hybrid Technology
• Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Max 3.0 Technology
• Supports Intel® ermal Velocity Boost (TVB)
• Supports Intel® Adaptive Boost Technology (ABT)
• Supports ASRock Hyper BCLK Engine
Chipset • Intel® Z790
Memory • Dual Channel DDR5 Memory Technology
• 4 x DDR5 DIMM Slots
• Supports DDR5 non-ECC, un-buered memory up to
8000+(OC)*
• Max. capacity of system memory: 192GB
• Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP) 3.0
* Please refer to Memory Support List on ASRock's website for
more information. (http://www.asrock.com/)
Expansion
Slot
CPU:
• 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1), supports x16 mode*
Chipset:
• 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2), supports x4 mode*
• 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 Slot (PCIE3)*
• 1 x Vertical M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/
BT PCIe WiFi module and Intel® CNVio/CNVio2 (Integrated
WiFi/BT)
* Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
* If M2_1 is occupied, PCIE1 will downgrade to x8 mode.
• Supports AMD CrossFireTM
• 15μ Gold Contact in VGA PCIe Slot (PCIE1)

3
Z790 Nova WiFi
Graphics • Intel® UHD Graphics Built-in Visuals and the VGA outputs
can be supported only with processors which are GPU
integrated.
• Intel® XeGraphics Architecture (Gen 12)
• 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS Compatible, supports HDCP 2.3 and
max. resolution up to 4K 60Hz
• 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC (compressed), supports HDCP
2.3 and max. resolution up to 8K 60Hz / 5K 120Hz
Audio • 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek
ALC4082 Audio Codec)
• Individual PCB Layers for R/L Audio Channel
• Impedance Sensing on Rear Out port
• Nahimic Audio
LAN • 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s
• Killer® E3100G
• Supports Killer LAN Soware
Wireless
LAN
• 802.11be 2x2 Wi-Fi 7 Module
• Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be
• Supports 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz* frequency band
• Supports 320MHz channel bandwidth with 6GHz*
frequency band
* Wi-Fi 7 (6GHz band) will be supported by Microso®
Windows® 11. e availability will depend on the dierent
regulation status of each country and region. It will be activated
(for supported countries) through Windows Update and
soware updates once available.
* A 6GHz compatible router is required for 7 functionality.
• 1 antenna to support 2 (Transmit) x 2 (Receive) diversity
technology
• Supports Bluetooth 5.4
• Supports MU-MIMO

4
USB • 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (1 Rear, 1 Front)
• 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear)
• 7 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (3 Rear, 4 Front)
• 6 x USB 2.0 (2 Rear, 4 Front)
* All USB ports support ESD Protection
Rear Panel
I/O
• 2 x Antenna Ports
• 1 x HDMI Port
• 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
• 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Port (20 Gb/s)
• 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Ports (10 Gb/s) *
• 3 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports *
• 2 x USB 2.0 Ports
• 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port
• 1 x Clear CMOS Button
• 1 x Line Out Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
• 1 x Microphone Input Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
*USB32_12 support Ultra USB Power. USB32_34 are Lightning
Gaming Ports.
Storage CPU:
• 1 x Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type
2260/2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode*
• 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type
2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
Chipset:
• 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_3, Key M), supports type
2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
• 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_4, Key M), supports type
2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
• 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_5, Key M), supports type
2260/2280 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s & PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) modes*
• 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_6, Key M), supports type
2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
• 4 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors
* Supports Intel® Volume Management Device (VMD)
* Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
* If M2_1 is occupied, PCIE1 will downgrade to x8 mode.

5
Z790 Nova WiFi
RAID • Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA
storage devices
• Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for M.2
NVMe storage devices
Connector • 3 x ermistor Cable Headers
• 1 x SPI TPM Header
• 1 x Power LED and Speaker Header
• 1 x RGB LED Header*
• 3 x Addressable LED Headers**
• 1 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin)***
• 1 x CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan
Speed Control)****
• 5 x Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan
Speed Control)*****
• 1 x VRM Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Con-
trol)******
• 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Con-
nector)
• 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors (Hi-Density Power Connec-
tor)
• 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector (15μ Gold Audio Connec-
tor)
• 1 x underbolt AIC Connector (5-pin) (Supports ASRock
underbolt 4 AIC Card)
• 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Headers (Support 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports)
• 1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (20 Gb/s)
• 1 x Dr. Debug with LED
• 1 x Power Button with LED
• 1 x Reset Button with LED
* Supports in total up to 12V/3A, 36W LED Strip
** Support in total up to 5V/3A, 15W LED Strip
*** CPU_FAN1 supports the fan power up to 1A (12W).
**** CPU_FAN2/WP supports the fan power up to 2A (24W).
***** CHA_FAN1~5/WP support the fan power up to 2A (24W).
***** CPU_FAN2/WP and CHA_FAN1~5/WP can auto detect
if 3-pin or 4-pin fan is in use.
****** VRM_FAN supports the VRM fan power up to 2A (24W).

6
BIOS
Feature
• AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
OS • Microso® Windows® 10 64-bit / 11 64-bit
Certica-
tions
• FCC, CE
• ErP/EuP ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking, including adjusting
the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking Technology, or using third-party
overclocking tools. Overclocking may aect your system’s stability, or even cause damage to
the components and devices of your system. It should be done at your own risk and expense.
We are not responsible for possible damage caused by overclocking.
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com

7
Z790 Nova WiFi
Intel
Z790
PCIE1
HDLED RESET
PLED PWRBTN
1
1
HD_AUDIO1
18
1
34
10
12
2
AUDIO
CODEC
27
4
3
CHA_FAN1/WP
CHA_FAN3/WP
6
8
13
26
1
1
RoHS
RGB_LED1
USB_5_6 SPK_PLED1 PANEL1
33
T B1
1
15
16
14
USB32_8_9
19
20
32
PCIE2
SUPER
I/O
CHA_FAN4
/WP
Top:
RJ-45
USB32_TC2
1
DDR5_A2 (64 bit, 288-pin module)
DDR5_A1 (64 bit, 288-pin module)
DDR5_B2 (64 bit, 288-pin module)
DDR5_B1 (64 bit, 288-pin module)
USB32_10_11
1
SATA3_2
SATA3_3
SATA3_0
SATA3_1
CHA_FAN2
/WP
CHA_FAN5
/WP
1
ADDR_LED1
M2_4
M2_5
M2_1
M2_3
M2_6
25
ATX12V1AT X12V2
ATXPWR1
BIOS
ROM
PCIE3
USB 3.2 Gen2
T:USB32_5
USB 3.2 Gen2x2
B: USB32_TC1
USB 3.2 Gen2
T:USB32_6
B: USB32_7
9
30
T_SENSOR3
T_SENSOR2
T_SENSOR1
CPU_FAN2
/WP
CPU_FAN1 VRM_FAN
5 7
1
ADDR_LED2
Dr.
Debug
11
29
31
1
USB_3_4
28
Reset Power
21
1
1
1
222324
M2_2
CMOS
Battery
1
SPI_TPM_J1
17
USB 2.0
T: USB_1
B: USB_2
Top:
MIC I N
Center:
Lin e Out
Bottom:
Optical
SPDIF
USB 3.2 Gen1:
USB32_3
USB 3.2 Gen2:
USB32_4
USB 3.2 Gen1:
USB32_1
USB 3.2 Gen1:
USB32_2
CLRC
BTN1
DP1
HDMI1
M2_WIFI1
1
ADDR_LED3
SUPER
I/O 2
1.3 Motherboard Layout
Top Side View

8
No. Description
1 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1)
2 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V2)
3 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)
4 2 x 288-pin DDR5 DIMM Slots (DDR5_A1, DDR5_B1)
5 CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2/WP)
6 2 x 288-pin DDR5 DIMM Slots (DDR5_A2, DDR5_B2)
7 VRM Fan Connector (VRM_FAN)
8 Addressable LED Header (ADDR_LED3)
9 Addressable LED Header (ADDR_LED2)
10 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)
11 Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (USB32_TC2)
12 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3/WP)
13 USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_10_11)
14 USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_8_9)
15 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_0)(Upper), (SATA3_1)(Lower)
16 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_2)(Upper), (SATA3_3)(Lower)
17 SPI TPM Header (SPI_TPM_J1)
18 System Panel Header (PANEL1)
19 Power LED and Speaker Header (SPK_PLED1)
20 Power Button (PWRBTN1)
21 Reset Button (RSTBTN1)
22 ermistor Cable Header (T_SENSOR3)
23 ermistor Cable Header (T_SENSOR2)
24 ermistor Cable Header (T_SENSOR1)
25 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN5/WP)
26 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2/WP)
27 USB 2.0 Header (USB_5_6)
28 USB 2.0 Header (USB_3_4)
29 Addressable LED Header (ADDR_LED1)
30 RGB LED Header (RGB_LED1)
31 5-pin underbolt AIC Connector (TB1)
32 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN4/WP)
33 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1)
34 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1/WP)

9
Z790 Nova WiFi
1.4 I/O Panel
No. Description No. Description
1DisplayPort 1.4 9 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Port
2 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Ports (USB32_5)
(USB32_123)* 10 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Port
3 2.5G LAN RJ-45 Port** (USB32_TC1)
4 Microphone Input Jack*** 11 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Port
5 Line Out Jack*** (USB32_4)*
6 Optical SPDIF Out Port 12 USB 2.0 Ports (USB_12)
7 Antenna Ports 13 HDMI Port
8 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Ports 14 Clear CMOS Button
(USB32_67)
67
5
21 3
4
8911121314
10

10
* Ultra USB Power is supported on USB32_12 ports. ACPI wake-up function is not supported on USB32_12
ports. USB32_34 are Lightning Gaming Ports.
** ere are two LEDs on each LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.
Activity / Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
O No Link O 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps/1Gbps
connection
On Link Green 2.5Gbps connection
*** Function of the Audio Ports in 2, 4, 5.1 or 7.1-channel Conguration:
Channel Port Function
2ch Line Out Jack
(Rear Panel) Front speaker out
4ch Pink-Mic
(Front Panel) Rear speaker out
5.1ch Microphone Input Jack
(Rear Panel) Central/Subwoofer speaker out
7.1ch Lime-Headphone
(Front Panel) Side Speaker out
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED
LAN Port

11
Z790 Nova WiFi
1.5 Block Diagram
Intel Z790 Chipset
Intel Alder Lake-S Raptor Lake-S Processor (LGA1700)
20Gb/s
USB32_TC2 (Front USB 3.2 Gen2x2 TypeC)
Channel B Channel A
DDR5 Slot x2 DDR5 Slot x2
SIO NCT6796D-E(B)
ALC4082
PCIE1 (PCIe Gen5 x16)
M2_3 (PCIe Gen4 x4)
Gen4 x4 Gen4 x4 PCIE2 (PCIe Gen4 x4, x16 slot)
10Gb/s
Gen5 lane[0:7,12:15] Gen3 x1 PCIE3 (PCIe Gen3 x1, x1 slot)
5Gb/s
ASM1074
eSPI
Gen3 x1
UART port H/W Monitor
Flash ROM 256Mb
DDIB
HDMI
Gen4 x4
M2_4(PCIe Gen4 x4)
Gen4 x4
M2_2 (PCIe Gen4 x4)
USB32_8_9 (Front USB 3.2 Gen1 TypeA*2)
M.2_WIFI1 (PCIe Gen3 x1 / CNVi / USB BT)
Gen3 x1
Killer 2.5G E3100G
USB32_23 (Rear USB 3.2 Gen1 TypeA*2)
5Gb/s
Gen5 lane[8:11]
DDIC
DP
M2_1 (PCIe Gen5 x4) Gen5 Redriver+Switch
DMI Gen4 x8
Gen4 x4/SATA M2_5 (PCIe Gen4 x4/SATA)
Redriver
Gen3 x1
ASM3042
CNVi SATA 6Gb/s SATA 4 ports
USB_12 (Rear USB 2.0 TypeA*2) 480Mb/s
480Mb/s
480Mb/s SPI
SPI TPM Header
NCT3948S
CPU_FAN2/WP CHA_FAN1/WP
NCT3948S NCT3948S
CHA_FAN2/WP CHA_FAN3/WP
NCT3948SCHA_FAN4/WP
CHA_FAN5/WP CPU_FAN1
NCT3948S
Redriver 20Gb/s
USB32_TC1 (Rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 TypeC) USB32_10_11 (Front USB 3.2 Gen1 TypeA*2)
Redriver
10Gb/s
USB32_67 (Rear USB 3.2 Gen2 TypeA*2)
SIO NCT5585D(B)
NCT3948S MOS_FANNCT3948S
VRM_FANNCT3948S
Redriver
10Gb/s 10Gb/s
USB32_5 (Rear USB 3.2 Gen2 TypeA) USB32_1 (Rear USB 3.2 Gen1 TypeA) USB32_4 (Rear USB 3.2 Gen2 TypeA)
480Mb/s 2+1 jack + Front header
480Mb/s
GENESYS HUB
USB_3_4 (Front USB 2.0 TypeA*2) USB_5_6 (Front USB 2.0 TypeA*2)
SMBus
MCU
RGB_LED1 ADDR_LED1, ADDR_LED2, ADDR_LED3 Onboard LED(side-view 9pcs under M.2 heatsink)
TB1
GPIO Gen4 x4 M2_6 (PCIe Gen4 x4)
IOCOVER_LED1
H/W Monitor
T_SENSOR1 T_SENSOR2 T_SENSOR3 DEBUGLED port
Clear CMOS Btn

12
1.6 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 Module and ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz
Antenna
802.11be Wi-Fi 7 + BT Module
is motherboard comes with an exclusive 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be Wi-Fi 7 + BT v5.4
module that oers support for 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be Wi-Fi 7 connectivity standards
and Bluetooth v5.4. Wi-Fi 7 + BT module is an easy-to-use wireless local area network
(WLAN) adapter to support Wi-Fi 7 + BT. Bluetooth v5.4 standard features Smart
Ready technology that adds a whole new class of functionality into the mobile devices.
* e transmission speed may vary according to the environment.
* Wi-Fi 7 (6GHz band) will be supported by Microso® Windows® 11. e availability
will depend on the dierent regulation status of each country and region. It will be
activated (for supported countries) through Windows Update and soware updates
once available.
* A 6GHz compatible router is required for 7 functionality.

13
Z790 Nova WiFi
1.7 Graphics Card Holder
Installing the Graphics Card Holder
Step 1
Secure the Graphics Card Holder to the chassis
with 2 screws.
*ere are two types of screws in the package.
Please use the appropriate type based on the
standos on the motherboard tray of your PC
case.
Step 2
Aer installing your graphics card, place the
bracket in the proper position to make sure that
it holds your graphics card in place.
en secure the bracket to the Graphics Card
Holder with 1 screw.
Before installing the Graphics Card Holder , please make sure that your motherboard is
properly installed into a PC case.
Type A Type B

14
is is an ATX form factor motherboard. Before you install the motherboard, study
the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard ts into it.
Pre-installation Precautions
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
• Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard
components. Failure to do so may cause physical injuries and damages to motherboard
components.
• In order to avoid damage from static electricity to the motherboard’s components,
NEVER place your motherboard directly on a carpet. Also remember to use a grounded
wrist strap or touch a safety grounded object before you handle the components.
• Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs.
• Whenever you uninstall any components, place them on a grounded anti-static pad or
in the bag that comes with the components.
• When placing screws to secure the motherboard to the chassis, please do not over-
tighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.
Chapter 2 Installation

15
Z790 Nova WiFi
2.1 Installing the CPU
1. Before you insert the 1700-Pin CPU into the socket, please check if the PnP cap is on the
socket, if the CPU surface is unclean, or if there are any bent pins in the socket. Do not
force to insert the CPU into the socket if above situation is found. Otherwise, the CPU
will be seriously damaged.
2. Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU.
1
A
B
2 3

16
5
76
4
Please save and replace the cover if the processor is removed. e cover must be placed if
you wish to return the motherboard for aer service.