ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Desktop Motherboard - Intel Z790 Chipset, LGA1700, Mini ITX

Engineered for high-performance compact builds, the ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 is a premium mini-ITX motherboard built around the Intel Z790 chipset and the LGA 1700 socket. It combines a meticulously designed VRM with Smart Power Stage technology and a disciplined layout to deliver stable power, solid overclocking headroom, and reliable gaming performance in tight spaces. If you crave a small form factor with big power, this board puts desktop-caliber performance into your compact gaming rig without compromising thermal or electrical stability.

• Premium SPS (Smart Power Stage) VRM with Dr.MOS design provides precise current and temperature monitoring for each phase, delivering smoother, cleaner power to the CPU and enabling enhanced overclocking potential with reliable thermal behavior.
• 10+1+1 power phase configuration ensures robust power delivery, improved voltage regulation, and efficient operation under heavy load, making it ideal for gaming CPUs and multi-threaded workloads in a compact layout.
• Compact mini ITX form factor tailored for small form factor (SFF) builds, offering all the essential performance and connectivity you need in a space-saving footprint.
• Intel Z790 chipset on the LGA 1700 socket supports recent 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors, enabling modern CPUs, PCIe lanes, and advanced I/O for a high-performance PC build.
• TB4 (Thunderbolt 4) capability provides ultra-fast data transfer, daisy-chaining capability, and versatile I/O connectivity for high-speed external storage, displays, and peripherals, all in a compact motherboard package.

Technical Details of ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Desktop Motherboard

• Form Factor: Mini ITX
• CPU Socket: LGA 1700
• Chipset: Intel Z790
• Power Phases: 10+1+1 (Dr.MOS SPS VRM)
• VRM Technology: SPS (Smart Power Stage) for precise current/temperature monitoring per phase
• Expansion/IO: Includes Thunderbolt 4 capability for high-speed I/O (TB4)

How to install ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Desktop Motherboard

Installing this motherboard in a mini ITX chassis is a straightforward process if you follow best practices for small form factor builds. Begin by preparing your workspace with an anti-static mat and grounding yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge. Install the CPU into the LGA 1700 socket, ensuring correct orientation, then lock the socket lever securely. Apply a thin, even layer of thermal paste, then mount your CPU cooler or AIO cooler, securing it according to the cooler’s instructions. Insert your RAM into the appropriate DIMM slots; in most mini ITX boards with two DIMM slots, you’ll typically populate the slots farthest from the CPU first for optimal compatibility.

Position the motherboard so the I/O shield aligns perfectly with the chassis cutout, then screw the board into the standoffs. Connect the 24-pin ATX power and the 8-pin (or 4+4-pin) CPU power cables, ensuring clean, unobstructed routing for cable management within the tight space. Install M.2 storage drives if your build includes them, following the motherboard’s recommended slot order and cooling recommendations. Attach the TB4 header or front-panel TB4 connectors as required by your case and peripherals, then connect USB, audio, and fan headers as indicated in the motherboard manual. Finally, double-check all connections, power on the system, and enter the BIOS to configure initial settings, boot order, and, if desired, memory XMP/OC profiles for optimal performance.

In a compact build, airflow is critical. Plan for an efficient cooling solution that fits the Mini ITX footprint and aligns with the VRM region. Maintain a clean cable layout to maximize interior airflow, and consider using an undervolting/undervolting approach or mild memory timings adjustments to balance performance with thermal limits in a small enclosure. The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 is designed to deliver stable operation in these scenarios, providing a reliable foundation for a powerful, space-saving gaming PC.

Frequently asked questions

• What CPUs does this motherboard support? The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 is built on the Intel Z790 chipset and LGA 1700 socket, making it compatible with Intel 12th and 13th generation Core processors. For best results, check BIOS updates and CPU compatibility lists from ASRock to confirm support for your specific model and stepping.
• Does it include Thunderbolt 4? Yes. The TB4 designation in the model name indicates Thunderbolt 4 support, enabling high-speed data transfer, daisy-chaining peripherals, and versatile external connectivity in a compact form-factor motherboard package.
• Is this motherboard suitable for gaming in a small form factor? Absolutely. The Mini ITX form factor is designed for compact builds, yet the 10+1+1 power phase and SPS Dr.MOS VRM deliver stable power delivery and OC headroom to support demanding gaming workloads in a small chassis.
• What RAM configurations are recommended? The exact memory support depends on the BIOS and memory modules you choose. Given the Z790 platform and mini ITX form factor, you typically use DDR5 modules in a two-DIMM layout. Always verify memory compatibility and enable XMP profiles in BIOS for best performance.
• How do I maximize thermal performance in a tiny case? Prioritize a high-quality CPU cooler and case airflow. Route cables neatly to minimize obstruction to airflow and consider spacing for VRM airflow around the CPU area. If you’re overclocking, monitor VRM temperatures and adjust fan curves to maintain safe temperatures under load.