ASRock Z790 LiveMixer User Manual

The ASRock Z790 LiveMixer is a mid-range ATX motherboard designed primarily for content creators and gamers who require extensive connectivity and performance features. Priced at approximately $252, it stands out with its unique graffiti-style design, featuring a purple color scheme that appeals to users looking for aesthetic appeal in their builds.

Key Features:

• Processor Support: The motherboard supports both 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors, ensuring compatibility with the latest technology.
• Power Delivery: It features a robust 14+1+1 phase power design utilizing Smart Power Stage (SPS) technology, which enhances stability and efficiency during high-performance tasks.
• Memory Support: The Z790 LiveMixer supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds reaching up to 7200 MHz when overclocked. This allows for significant multitasking capabilities and improved performance in memory-intensive applications.
• Expansion Slots: The board includes one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, providing ample options for graphics cards and other expansion cards.
• Storage Options: There are five M.2 sockets (one supporting PCIe Gen5x4 speeds) and four SATA3 ports, allowing for flexible storage configurations including RAID support.
• USB Connectivity: A total of 14 USB ports are available on the rear I/O panel, including two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports and multiple USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, catering to the needs of various peripherals.
• Audio Codec: The motherboard is equipped with a Realtek ALC897 audio codec that supports 7.1 channel HD audio output but may not meet the expectations of audiophiles due to its budget nature.
• Networking: It features a Realtek 2.5G LAN port for high-speed wired networking capabilities.

Design Elements: The ASRock Z790 LiveMixer has a distinctive black PCB adorned with white and purple paint splatters along with large VRM heatsinks that contribute to its eye-catching appearance. Additionally, it includes RGB lighting options controlled via ASRock’s Polychrome RGB application.

Performance Considerations: While the motherboard offers solid specifications for content creation and gaming, it has been noted that thermal throttling can occur under default settings during heavy workloads. Users may need to adjust BIOS settings or implement additional cooling solutions to optimize performance.

In summary, the ASRock Z790 LiveMixer is tailored for users who prioritize connectivity and aesthetics while providing adequate performance for gaming and content creation tasks.