ASROCK Z790 Steel Legend 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 10
1.5 Block Diagram 12
1.6 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module and ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz
Antenna 13
1.7 Graphics Card Holder 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 Jumpers Setup 30
2.12 Onboard Headers and Connectors 31

2.13 Post Status Checker 48
2.14 M.2 SSD Module Installation Guide (M2_1 and M2_2) 49
2.15 M.2 SSD Module Installation Guide (M2_3 and M2_4) 52
2.16 M.2 SSD Module Installation Guide (M2_5) 55
2.17 Change Screen Brightness for eDP in Windows® 57

1
Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
Chapter 1 Introduction
ank you for purchasing ASRock Z790 Steel Legend 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 Steel Legend WiFi Motherboard (ATX Form Factor)
• ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi User Manual
• 2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
• 1 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antenna (Optional)
• 4 x Screws for M.2 Sockets (Optional)
• 1 x Graphics Card Holder (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
• 2oz Copper PCB
CPU • Supports 13th Gen & 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)
Chipset • Intel® Z790
Memory • Dual Channel DDR5 Memory Technology
• 4 x DDR5 DIMM Slots
• Supports DDR5 non-ECC, un-buered memory up to
6800+(OC)*
• Max. capacity of system memory: 128GB
• 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 x16 Slot (PCIE3), supports x2 mode*
• 1 x M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT PCIe
WiFi module and Intel® CNVio/CNVio2 (Integrated WiFi/
BT)
* If M2_2 is occupied, PCIE1 will downgrade to x8 mode.
* Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
• Supports AMD CrossFireTM
• 15μ Gold Contact in VGA PCIe Slot (PCIE1)

3
Z790 Steel Legend 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 eDP 1.4, supports max. resolution up to Full HD 60Hz
• 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 (Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec)
• Nahimic Audio
LAN • 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s
• Dragon RTL8125BG
• Supports Dragon 2.5G LAN Soware
- Smart Auto Adjust Bandwidth Control
- Visual User Friendly UI
- Visual Network Usage Statistics
- Optimized Default Setting for Game, Browser, and
Streaming Modes
- User Customized Priority Control
Wireless
LAN
• 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module
• Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
• Supports Dual-Band 2x2 with extended 6GHz band*
support
* Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz band) will be supported by Microso® Win-
dows® 11. e availability will depend on the dierent regula-
tion 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 6E functionality.
• 2 antennas to support 2 (Transmit) x 2 (Receive) diversity
technology
• Supports Bluetooth + High speed class II
• Supports MU-MIMO

4
USB • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (Rear)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear)
• 12 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (8 Rear, 4 Front)
• 3 x USB 2.0 (3 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 Gen2 Type-A Port (10 Gb/s)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C Port (10 Gb/s)
• 8 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports
• 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port
• HD Audio Jacks: Rear Speaker / Central / Bass / Line in /
Front Speaker / Microphone (Gold Audio Jacks)
Storage CPU:
• 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type
2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
• 1 x Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type
2260/2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode*
Chipset:
• 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_3, Key M), supports type
2242/2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
• 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_4, Key M), supports type
2242/2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
• 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_5, Key M), supports type
2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
• 8 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors
* Supports Intel® Volume Management Device (VMD)
* Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
* If M2_2 is occupied, PCIE1 will downgrade to x8 mode.
* Either M2_1 or M2_2 can be used at a time.

5
Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
RAID • Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA
storage devices
• Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 5 for M.2 NVMe stor-
age devices
Connector • 1 x eDP Signal Connector
• 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 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 3 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)
* 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.
BIOS
Feature
• AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
OS • Microso® Windows® 11 64-bit

6
Certica-
tions
• FCC, CE
• ErP/EuP ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
• CEC Tier II ready
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 Steel Legend WiFi
PCIE1
PCIE2
HDLED RESET
PLED PWRBTN
1
1
HD_AUDIO1
20
1
10
11
24
3
CHA_FAN3/WP
CHA_FAN1
/WP
CPU_FAN2/WP
56
13
21
22
34
1
35
SUPER
I/O
1
RoHS
RGB_LED1
USB_1_2 USB32_10_11
SATA3_1 SATA3_3
PANEL1
SPI_TPM_J1
28
36
DP1
T B1
1
18
19
17
8
23
25
29
AUDIO
CODEC
HDMI1
DRAM
BOOT
VGA
CPU
Intel
Z790
1
CLRMOS1CHA_FAN5
/WP
M2_1
M2_2
Top:
RJ-45
USB 3.2 Gen1
T: USB32_1
B: USB32_2
USB 3.2 Gen1
T: USB32_8
B: USB32_9
USB32_TC_2
1
SPK_PLED1
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)
CPU_FAN1
USB32_12_13
USB_3
1
SATA3_4
CHA_FAN2
/WP
1
ADDR_LED1
M2_5
M2_4
M2_3
LAN
31
33
ATX12V1AT X12V2
ATXPWR1
CMOS
Battery
7
1
ADDR_LED2
1
ADDR_LED3
9
12
1
14
SATA3_5 SATA3_6 SATA3_7
16
SATA3_0 SATA3_2
26 24
1
27
30
BIOS
ROM
15
PCIE3
32
USB 3.2 Gen2
T:USB32_7
B: USB32_TC_1
USB 3.2 Gen1 USB32_4
USB 3.2 Gen1 USB32_3
USB 3.2 Gen1 USB32_6
USB 3.2 Gen1 USB32_5
Top:
Central/Bass
Center:
REA R SPK
Top:
LIN E IN
Center:
FRONT
Bottom:
Optical
SPDIF
Bottom:
MIC I N
M2_WIFI_CT1
M2_WIFI1
WiFi-802.11ax
Module
CHA_FAN4
/WP
EDP1
37
1.3 Motherboard Layout

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 2 x 288-pin DDR5 DIMM Slots (DDR5_A2, DDR5_B2)
6 CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2/WP)
7 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1/WP)
8 Addressable LED Header (ADDR_LED2)
9 Addressable LED Header (ADDR_LED3)
10 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)
11 Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (USB32_TC_2)
12 USB 2.0 Header (USB_3)
13 USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_12_13)
14 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3/WP)
15 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN4/WP)
16 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_7)
17 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_6)
18 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_5)
19 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_4)
20 Post Status Checker (PSC)
21 Power LED and Speaker Header (SPK_PLED1)
22 System Panel Header (PANEL1)
23 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_3)
24 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_2)
25 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_1)
26 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_0)
27 USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_10_11)
28 SPI TPM Header (SPI_TPM_J1)
29 USB 2.0 Header (USB_1_2)
30 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN5/WP)
31 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2/WP)
32 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRMOS1)
33 5-pin underbolt AIC Connector (TB1)

9
Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
No. Description
34 RGB LED Header (RGB_LED1)
35 Addressable LED Header (ADDR_LED1)
36 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1)
37 eDP Signal Connector (EDP1)

10
1.4 I/O Panel
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED
LAN Port
* 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
No. Description No. Description
1 Antenna Ports 9 USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (USB32_89)
2 2.5G LAN RJ-45 Port* 10 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Port (USB32_7)
3 Central / Bass (Orange) 11 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C Port (USB32_TC_1)
4 Rear Speaker (Black) 12 USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (USB32_3456)
5 Line In (Light Blue) 13 USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (USB32_12)
6 Front Speaker (Lime)** 14 DisplayPort 1.4
7Microphone (Pink) 15 HDMI Port
8 Optical SPDIF Out Port
14 9 8 7
21
13 12 10
11
15
4
3
6
5

11
Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
** If you use a 2-channel speaker, please connect the speaker’s plug into “Front Speaker Jack”. See the table below
for connection details in accordance with the type of speaker you use.
Audio Output
Channels
Front Speaker
(No. 6)
Rear Speaker
(No. 4)
Central / Bass
(No. 3)
Line In
(No. 5)
2V -- -- --
4V V -- --
6V V V --
8V V V V

12
1.5 Block Diagram
Intel Z790
LGA1700 CPU
SATA 8ports SATA 6Gb
10Gb/s
Channel B Channel A
DDR5 Slot x2 DDR5 Slot x2
SIO NCT6796D-E
ALC897 (5+1 jack Audio)
PCIE1 ( GEN5 x16 Slot )
DMI Gen4 x8
Gen4 x4 PCIE2 ( Gen4 x4 Slot )
Rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A
Gen5 x16
5Gb/s
Front USB 3.2 Gen1 type A 4ports
Front USB 2.0 3ports 480Mb/s
AZ(HD Audio)
eSPI
FAN x7 H/W Monitor
SPI
Flash ROM 256Mb
DDIB DDIC
HDMI1 Display Port1
Front USB 3.2 GEN2x2 Type C
M2_1(PCIe Gen4 x4)
Gen4 x4
M2_4(PCIe Gen4 x4)
Gen4 x4 Gen3 x1 2.5G LAN RTL8125BG
Rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C 10Gb/s
CNVi
M2_WiFi1 (Intel AX210/AX211)
+Gen3 x1480Mb/s
ASMedia USB3 Hub
5Gb/s
Rear USB 3.2 Gen1 type A 4ports
DDIA
eDP
GEN5 Redriver M2_2(PCIe Gen5 x4)
20Gb/s
ASMedia USB3 Hub 5Gb/s
Rear USB 3.2 Gen1 type A 4ports
Gen4 x4 M2_5(PCIe Gen4 x4) Gen3 x2 PCIE3 ( Gen3 x2 Slot ) Gen4 x4 M2_3(PCIe Gen4 x4)

13
Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
1.6 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module and ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz
Antenna
802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E + BT Module
is motherboard comes with an exclusive 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi 6E + BT module
that oers support for 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi 6E connectivity standards and
Bluetooth. Wi-Fi 6E + BT module is an easy-to-use wireless local area network (WLAN)
adapter to support Wi-Fi 6E + BT. Bluetooth standard features Smart Ready technology
that adds a whole new class of functionality into the mobile devices. BT also includes
Low Energy Technology and ensures extraordinary low power consumption for PCs.
* e transmission speed may vary according to the environment.
* Wi-Fi 6E (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 6E functionality.
ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antenna

14
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

15
Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
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

16
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