Introduction to ASRock Z490 Taichi
The ASRock Z490 Taichi is an exceptional motherboard designed for Intel’s 10th Gen processors, unveiling a plethora of features that cater to gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts alike. Known for its sleek aesthetics and robust performance, the Taichi series blends elegance with power, making it a sought-after choice in the competitive motherboards market. This article provides an in-depth overview of the ASRock Z490 Taichi, including its pricing in Pakistan, standout features, specifications, and what makes it a fantastic choice for your next build.
Price of ASRock Z490 Taichi in Pakistan
As of October 2023, the price of the ASRock Z490 Taichi motherboard in Pakistan typically ranges from PKR 35,000 to PKR 50,000. However, prices may vary based on several factors, including local retailers, import taxes, and changes in demand. It is recommended to check with multiple online and local stores for the most accurate and competitive pricing. Below are some of the factors affecting the price:
- Market demand and availability
- Import costs and tariffs
- Retail mark-up
- Veracity of warranties and included features
Key Features of ASRock Z490 Taichi
The ASRock Z490 Taichi motherboard is packed with cutting-edge technology and features that enhance performance and user experience. Here are some of its key highlights:
1. Core Specifications
| Feature |
Description |
| Socket Type |
LGA 1200 |
| Chipset |
Intel Z490 |
| Form Factor |
ATX |
| RAM Support |
4 x DDR4 DIMM Slots (up to 128GB, 4800+ MHz) |
| Storage Options |
3 x Ultra M.2 slots, 6 x SATA3 ports |
2. Aesthetics and Build Quality
The Z490 Taichi stands out with its unique aesthetic appeal. It features a black and silver color scheme, with a distinctive gear-inspired design that reflects ASRock’s craftsmanship. The high-quality components and a sturdy PCB ensure longevity and reliability, making it an excellent choice for high-performance builds.
3. Connectivity Options
This motherboard emphasizes connectivity, supporting :
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C for high-speed data transfer
- Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports for peripherals
- Gigabit Ethernet for stable and fast internet
- Wi-Fi 6 support for advanced networking capabilities
4. Powerful VRM Design
The Z490 Taichi features an impressive VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) that ensures consistent power delivery to the CPU. This is particularly beneficial for overclocking, as it provides enhanced stability even under heavy load. With premium capacitors and heatsinks, users can achieve higher performance with confidence.
5. Advanced Audio
For those who appreciate high-fidelity audio, the ASRock Z490 Taichi includes a premium audio solution with the Realtek ALC1220 codec. This codec delivers rich, immersive sound quality, essential for gaming and media consumption.
Why Choose ASRock Z490 Taichi?
The ASRock Z490 Taichi motherboard provides an exceptional mix of performance, aesthetics, and features that make it suitable for various user profiles. Here’s why it stands out:
- Overclocking Performance: With a well-designed VRM system, it allows enthusiasts to push their CPUs to the limit safely.
- Future-Proofing: Support for the latest Intel technology ensures your system remains competitive for years to come.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The striking design complements any high-end PC build, making it visually appealing.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: With numerous ports and slots, it supports extensive hardware configurations.
- Advanced Features: From high-speed networking to superior audio, it integrates the best of modern technology.
Comparisons to Other Motherboards
When choosing a motherboard, it’s crucial to understand how the ASRock Z490 Taichi compares to its contemporaries. Here’s a quick comparison with a couple of competitors:
| Feature |
ASRock Z490 Taichi |
MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi |
Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master |
| VRM Design |
12-phase |
10-phase |
14-phase |
| Wi-Fi |
Yes, Wi-Fi 6 |
Yes, Wi-Fi 6 |
No |
| USB Ports |
Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 & 2 |
USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Audio Codec |
ALC1220 |
ALC1200 |
ALC1220 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ASRock Z490 Taichi is a high-performance motherboard tailored for enthusiasts looking to build a powerful and reliable system. With its attractive design, advanced features, and robust performance capabilities, it justifies its price in Pakistan. Whether you are embarking on a new gaming setup or a productivity-focused build, the Z490 Taichi offers a compelling choice that combines form and function seamlessly.
Before purchasing, consider the latest market trends, compare prices from various stores, and ensure that the specifications meet your specific needs.
ASRock Z490 Taichi Comparision
| Motherboard Model |
Price in Pakistan (PKR) |
Chipset |
Socket Type |
Memory Slots |
Max Memory Capacity |
Form Factor |
Special Features |
| ASRock Z490 Taichi |
40,000 |
Intel Z490 |
LGA 1200 |
4 |
128 GB |
ATX |
Wi-Fi 6, 2.5 Gb Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| ASRock Z490 Extreme4 |
33,000 |
Intel Z490 |
LGA 1200 |
4 |
128 GB |
ATX |
USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0 support |
| ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4 |
28,000 |
Intel Z490 |
LGA 1200 |
4 |
128 GB |
ATX |
Good audio capacitors, Gaming-oriented features |
| ASRock Z490 Steel Legend |
25,000 |
Intel Z490 |
LGA 1200 |
4 |
128 GB |
ATX |
Durable components, RGB lighting |
| ASRock Z490M Pro4 |
22,000 |
Intel Z490 |
LGA 1200 |
4 |
64 GB |
Micro ATX |
Value-oriented, Compact size |
| ASRock Z490 PG Velocita |
37,000 |
Intel Z490 |
LGA 1200 |
4 |
128 GB |
ATX |
Designed for gamers, multiple PCIe slots |
The ASRock Z490 Taichi motherboard is a feature-rich motherboard designed for Intel’s 10th generation processors. Priced at approximately PKR 40,000, it stands out in terms of its build quality, performance features, and aesthetic appeal. In this discussion, we will compare it with other ASRock models in the same series, focusing on price, features, and overall performance. This comparison will help potential buyers make informed decisions based on their specific needs and budget.
Price Comparison
The ASRock Z490 Taichi is the most expensive option in this comparison at PKR 40,000. This price reflects its many premium features, particularly those suited for overclocking and gaming. It's important to note that while it is pricier, it also has superior quality components and additional features that justify the cost. On the other hand, models like the ASRock Z490M Pro4 and the ASRock Z490 Steel Legend are significantly cheaper at PKR 22,000 and PKR 25,000, respectively. These models cater to budget-conscious consumers who require solid performance without breaking the bank.
Chipset and Socket Type
All models in our comparison utilize the Intel Z490 chipset and the LGA 1200 socket, which means they are all well-equipped to support Intel's 10th generation CPUs. The shared chipset signifies that all options should have similar CPU performance capabilities, but the additional features and build quality will vary across models. The Z490 Taichi, however, integrates better power phases and stronger VRMs, ensuring a more stable turbo boost on compatible processors when compared to lower-end models.
Memory Slots and Capacity
Memory support is another crucial aspect of any motherboard, especially for those looking to build a system for gaming or demanding applications. The ASRock Z490 Taichi has four memory slots supporting up to 128 GB of RAM, similar to the Z490 Extreme4, Phantom Gaming 4, and Steel Legend models. However, the Z490M Pro4 has a maximum RAM capacity of only 64 GB. This difference can be significant for users planning heavy multitasking or memory-intensive applications like video editing, large-scale simulations, or gaming with high-resolution textures.
Form Factor
The ASRock Z490 Taichi, Z490 Extreme4, Phantom Gaming 4, and Steel Legend all share the ATX form factor, making them suitable for mid to full-sized cases. The Z490M Pro4, being a Micro ATX motherboard, has a smaller footprint and is ideal for compact builds where space is a constraint. While ATX motherboards generally offer more PCIe slots and better expansion options, the Micro ATX version can still be useful for budget builds or small form factor cases.
Special Features
When it comes to special features, the ASRock Z490 Taichi excels with amenities such as Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5 Gb Ethernet, enhancing both wireless and wired networking capabilities. Its robust VRM design and excellent thermal management signify it’s also well-suited for overclocking. Furthermore, it flaunts USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, providing faster data transfer rates.
Comparatively, the Z490 Extreme4 emphasizes PCIe 4.0 support and USB 3.2 Gen 2 as its key features, while the Phantom Gaming 4 model is oriented towards gamers, boasting premium audio capacitors and gaming-enhanced functionalities. The Steel Legend emphasizes durable components and striking RGB lighting but lacks some of the advanced networking features found in the Taichi. The Z490M Pro4 is more value-oriented, featuring fewer frills while still providing solid performance.
Conclusion
In summary, while the ASRock Z490 Taichi is priced significantly higher than its counterparts at approximately PKR 40,000, it offers a plethora of premium features that justify its cost. Depending on user requirements—like gaming, multimedia creation, or general-purpose computing—budget models like the Z490M Pro4 and Steel Legend can still provide competent performance at a lower price point. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on both budget and specific use cases, making it essential to weigh the pros and cons of each model in the ASRock Z490 lineup.
Imaan Majid –
Great motherboard for gaming and multitasking! Excellent performance and features for the price in Pakistan. Only minor issues with BIOS updates. Overall, happy with my purchase!
Zakia Shan –
Great performance and features for the price, perfect for gaming and multitasking!