ASROCK Z790 Taichi Carrara 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
1.6 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module and ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz
Antenna 12
1.7 Wireless Dongle USB Bracket 13
1.8 12CM Carrara Edition Cooling FAN 14
Chapter 2 Installation 16
2.1 Installing the CPU 17
2.2 Installing the CPU Fan and Heatsink 19
2.3 Installing Memory Modules (DIMM) 20
2.4 Connecting the Front Panel Header 22
2.5 Installing the Motherboard 23
2.6 Installing SATA Drives 24
2.7 Installing a Graphics Card 26
2.8 Connecting Peripheral Devices 28
2.9 Connecting the Power Connectors 29
2.10 Power On 30
2.11 Jumpers Setup 31

2.12 Onboard Headers and Connectors 32
2.13 Smart Buttons 48
2.14 Dr. Debug 50
2.15 M.2 SSD Module Installation Guide (M2_1 and M2_2) 56
2.16 M.2_SSD (NGFF) Module Installation Guide (M2_3) 59
2.17 M.2_SSD (NGFF) Module Installation Guide
(M2_4 and M2_5) 62

1
Z790 Taichi Carrara
Chapter 1 Introduction
ank you for purchasing ASRock Z790 Taichi Carrara 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 Taichi Carrara Motherboard (EATX Form Factor)
• ASRock Z790 Taichi Carrara User Manual
• 4 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
• 1 x Wireless Dongle USB Bracket (Optional)
• 1 x 12CM Carrara Edition Cooling FAN (Optional)
• 1 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antenna (Optional)
• 4 x Screws 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 • EATX Form Factor
• 8 Layer 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)
• 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
7000+(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:
• 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Slots (PCIE1 and PCIE2), support x16 or x8/
x8 modes*
Chipset:
• 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE3), supports x4 mode*
• 1 x M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT PCIe
WiFi module and Intel® CNVio/CNVio2 (Integrated WiFi/
BT)
* If PCIE2 is occupied, M2_1 will be disabled.
* If PCIE3 is occupied, SATA3_0~4 will be disabled.
* Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
• Supports AMD CrossFireTM
• 15μ Gold Contact in VGA PCIe Slots (PCIE1 and PCIE2)

3
Z790 Taichi Carrara
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
• 2 x Intel® underboltTM 4, supports HDCP 2.3 and max.
resolution up to 8K 60Hz*
* Supports two 4K displays or one 8K display
* Only the CPU's embedded graphics can be displayed through
underbolt ports. If you want to display to a underbolt
monitor, please use CPU models with embedded graphics.
* underbolt graphics output may not be compatible with
certain Type-C monitors. Please use graphics card outputs
instead.
Audio • 5.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek
ALC4082 Audio Codec)
• WIMA Audio Capacitors (For Front Outputs)
• ESS SABRE9218 DAC for Front Panel Audio (130dB SNR)
• Individual PCB Layers for R/L Audio Channel
• Impedance Sensing on Rear Out port
• Nahimic Audio
LAN 1 x 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s (Killer® E3100G)
• Supports Killer LAN Soware
• Supports Killer DoubleShotTM Pro
1 x Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s (Intel® I219V)
Wireless
LAN
• 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module
• Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
• Supports Dual-Band 2x2 160MHz with extended 6GHz
band* support
* 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.

4
• 2 antennas to support 2 (Transmit) x 2 (Receive) diversity
technology
• Supports Bluetooth + High speed class II
• Supports MU-MIMO
• Supports Killer LAN Soware
• Supports Killer DoubleShotTM Pro
USB • 2 x USB4 underboltTM 4 Type-C (Rear)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front)
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear)
• 10 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (6 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 Optical SPDIF Out Port
• 2 x USB4 underboltTM 4 Type-C Ports (40 Gb/s for USB4
protocol; 40Gb/s for underbolt protocol)*
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Port (10 Gb/s)
• 6 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (USB32_12 are Lightning Gaming
Ports. USB32_34 support Ultra USB Power.)
• 2 x USB 2.0 Ports
• 2 x RJ-45 LAN Ports
• 1 x Line Out Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
• 1 x Microphone Input Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
* Supports USB PD 3.0 up to 9V@3A (27W) / 5V@3A (15W)
charging
Storage CPU:
• 1 x Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type 2280
PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode*
• 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type 2280
PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*

5
Z790 Taichi Carrara
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 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 PCIE2 is occupied, M2_1 will be disabled.
* Either M2_1 or M2_2 can be used at a time.
** If PCIE3 is occupied, SATA3_0~4 will be disabled.
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 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)****
• 6 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 12V 6 pin Power Connector for Fast Charging (Hi-Density
Power Connector)
• 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector (15μ Gold Audio Connec-
tor)
• 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)

6
• 1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (20 Gb/
s)******
• 1 x Clear CMOS Button
• 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_3A supports the fan power up to 3A
(36W).
***** CHA_FAN1~6/WP support the fan power up to 2A (24W).
***** CPU_FAN2/WP_3A and CHA_FAN1~6/WP can auto
detect if 3-pin or 4-pin fan is in use.
****** Supports USB PD 3.0 up to 20V@3A (60W) fast charging
when you install PSU’s power cable to the 12V 6 pin Power Con-
nector. If the 12V 6 pin Power Connector is not plugged, this
header supports USB PD 3.0 up to 9V@3A (27W) fast charging.
BIOS
Feature
• AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
OS • Microso® Windows® 11 64-bit
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 Taichi Carrara
Intel
Z790
PCIE1
PCIE3
1
19
20
1
9
2
AUDIO
CODEC
28
5
4
CHA_FAN1
/WP
CPU_FAN2
/WP_3A
6
11
12
33
1
1
35
SUPER
I/O
1
RGB_LED1
USB_3_4 USB_5_6
SPK_PLED1
PANE L1
SPI_TPM_J1
27
16
17
15
13
CPU_FAN1
8
2225 24
29
HDMI1
HDLED RESET
PLED PWRBTN
1
USB32_9_10
1
CLR
MOS1
CHA_FAN2
/WP
USB32_TC1
1
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)
SATA3_0
SATA3_1
SATA3_2
SATA3_3
SATA3_4
SATA3_5
CHA_FAN4
/WP
CHA_FAN6
/WP
1
ADDR_LED1
USB 2.0
T: USB_1
B: USB_2
M2_3
M2_1
LAN
30
31 26
ATX12V1AT X12V2
ATXPWR1
3
CMOS
Battery
1
ADDR_LED2
1
ADDR_LED3
7
SATA3_6
SATA3_7
14
PCIE2
M2_4
M2_5
BIOS
ROM
18
CHA_FAN3
/WP
CHA_FAN5
/WP
Dr.
Debug
Reset Power
1
USB32_11_12
21
32
34
Z79O taichi Carrara
CLRC
BTN1
23
Top: MIC I N
Center:
Line Out
Bottom:
Optical
SPD IF
LAN
Top:
RJ-45
(I219V)
Top:
2.5GLAN
(Killer®
E3100G)
US B 3.2 Ge n1
US B32_ 5
TB_1
TB_2
US B 3.2 Ge n1
US B32 6_
USB 3.2 Gen2
T: USB32_7
B: USB32_8
USB 3.2 Gen1:
USB32_2
USB 3.2 Gen1:
USB32_1
USB 3.2 Gen1:
USB32_4
USB 3.2 Gen1:
USB32_3
PD60W_12V1
10
M2_2
M2_WIFI1
WiFi-802.11ax
Module
HD_AUDIO1
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 CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2/WP_3A)
5 2 x 288-pin DDR5 DIMM Slots (DDR5_A1, DDR5_B1)
6 2 x 288-pin DDR5 DIMM Slots (DDR5_A2, DDR5_B2)
7 Addressable LED Header (ADDR_LED3)
8 Addressable LED Header (ADDR_LED2)
9 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)
10 12V 6 pin Power Connector for Fast Charging (PD60W_12V1)
11 Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (USB32_TC1)
12 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1/WP)
13 USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_9_10)
14 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_6)(Upper), (SATA3_7)(Lower)
15 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_4)(Upper), (SATA3_5)(Lower)
16 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_2)(Upper), (SATA3_3)(Lower)
17 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_0)(Upper), (SATA3_1)(Lower)
18 Power LED and Speaker Header (SPK_PLED1)
19 System Panel Header (PANEL1)
20 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2/WP)
21 SPI TPM Header (SPI_TPM_J1)
22 Power Button (PWRBTN1)
23 Clear CMOS Button (CLRCBTN1)
24 Reset Button (RSTBTN1)
25 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN4/WP)
26 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3/WP)
27 USB 2.0 Header (USB_5_6)
28 USB 2.0 Header (USB_3_4)
29 USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_11_12)
30 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN6/WP)
31 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN5/WP)
32 Addressable LED Header (ADDR_LED1)
33 RGB LED Header (RGB_LED1)
34 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRMOS1)
35 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1)

9
Z790 Taichi Carrara
1.4 I/O Panel
No. Description No. Description
1 Microphone Input Jack* 9 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Port
2 Line Out Jack* (USB32_5)
3 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Ports 10 USB 4.0 underboltTM 4
(USB32_34)** Type-C Port (TB_1)
4 LAN RJ-45 Port (Intel® I219V)*** 11 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Ports
5 2.5G LAN RJ-45 Port (USB32_12)*****
(Killer® E3100G)**** 12 Optical SPDIF Out Port
6 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Ports 13 Antenna Ports
(USB32_78) 14 HDMI Port
7 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Port (USB32_6) 15 USB 2.0 Ports
8 USB 4.0 underboltTM 4 (USB_1_2)
Type-C Port (TB_2)
15 14 1213 11
2 3
1
97
810
45
6

10
* Function of the Audio Ports in 2, 4 or 5.1-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
** Ultra USB Power is supported on USB32_34 ports. ACPI wake-up function is not supported on USB32_34
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 connection
On Link Green 1Gbps connection
****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
***** USB32_12 are the Lightning Gaming Ports.
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED
LAN Port
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED
LAN Port

11
Z790 Taichi Carrara
1.5 Block Diagram
Channel A Channel B
128-bit Dual-Channel Memory x 4 Slots
DDR5 Slot x2 DDR5 Slot x2
M2_WIFI(CNVi and PCIE)Gen3 x1
USB2.0 HUBGENESYS
Thunderbolt 4 Type-C (DP)
HDMI
Intel Raptor Lake Processor Socket 1700
DMI Gen4 x8
DDI1
DDI2 DDI3
Gen5 x16 Gen4 x4
Front USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type C*1 Port
Rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A*2 Ports Rear USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A*4 Ports
Front USB 2.0*4 Ports
Flash ROM 256Mb
M2_3(PCIe Gen4 x4) M2_4(PCIe Gen4 x4) M2_5(PCIe Gen4 x4)
ALC4082 (2 jack Audio + 1 SPDIF)
Intel 700 Series Chipset
H/W Monitor
FAN*5 Headers
SIO NCT6686D
eSPI
20Gb/s 10Gb/s
5Gb/s
480Mb/s
480Mb/s
SPI
Gen4 x4 Gen4 x4 Gen4 x4 USB2.0
PCIE1(Gen 5 x16 Slot) M2_2(PCIe Gen4x4) PCIE2(Gen 5 x16 Slot) M2_1(PCIe Gen5x4)
SATA8 PortsSATA 6Gb PCIE3(PCIe Gen4 x4 Slot) Intel E3100G (2.5G LAN)Gen3 x1 Intel I219V (1G LAN)Gen3 x1
ES9218PQ (Audio DAC)I2S
Thunderbolt 4 Type-C (DP)
ASM3042 Gen3 x1
Rear USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A*2 Port
Front USB 3.2 Gen1*4 Ports 5Gb/sASM1074
USB2.0 HUBGENESYSRear USB 2.0*2 Ports
Thunderbolt 4 Gen3 x4Thunderbolt 4 Type-C *2 Ports
Gen5 x8 Gen5 x4
eSPI
SIO NCT5585D
H/W Monitor
FAN*3 Headers
Dr. Debug
Gen4 x4

12
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

13
Z790 Taichi Carrara
1.7 Wireless Dongle USB Bracket
Installing the Wireless Dongle USB Bracket
Step 1
Plug the Wireless Dongle USB Bracket into the
USB 2.0 header on your motherboard.
Step 2
Now you have two external USB 2.0 ports at
hand.
*We recommend you plugging wireless devices
dongle into these USB 2.0 ports for the best
wireless signal quality.

14
1.8 12CM Carrara Edition Cooling FAN
Installing the 12CM Carrara Edition Cooling FAN
Step 1
Place the 12CM Carrara Edition Cooling FAN
to the rear of your PC case with screw holes
aligned. en secure it with 4 screws.
Step 2
Plug the attached fan cable to a free fan
connector on the motherboard.
Before installing the cooling fan, please make sure that your motherboard is properly
installed into a PC case.

15
Z790 Taichi Carrara
Specications
Fan
Dimension 120 x 120 x 26.7mm
Rated Voltage DC 12V
Fan Speed 800~2500 RPM
Air Pressure 4.25 mmAq
Airow 76.21 CFM
Rated Current AT 25°C 0.35 A
Duty cycle=100%
Rated Power AT 25°C 4.2 W
Duty cycle=100%
Sound Level 43.8 dB-A (MAX:46.8dBA)
Operation Voltage DC 6.0V~13.2V
Start-Up Voltage DC 6.0V (25°C Power ON/OFF)
Duty cycle=100%
Operating
Temperature Range -10°C~+70 °C
Storage Temperature
Range -40°C~+70 °C
Operating/Staorage
Humidity 5~90% RH

16
is is an EATX 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