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The ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming X has a defined target audience; those who intend to use an Intel 8-Core processor (such as the i7 9700K, i9 9900K, 9900KS, 9900KF) and apply substantial overclocking to 5GHz or maybe even beyond.
While connectivity has been generously imbued on this motherboard in several areas: networking, storage and peripheral, the main selling point is the 14-phase VRM which covers 12 phases for the VCore and 2 phases for the iGPU/SOC.
The selling point goes beyond the sheer number of phases, which is admittedly high, and also covers the quality of the MOSFETs and PWM controller used and the well-proportioned VRM heatsink. The accompanying suite of tweaking friendly tools such as the debug code reader, dual BIOS system, power, reset and clear CMOS buttons solidify an impressive solution in the overclocking space.
It's worth touching on networking again as the package is all-inclusive, though the only substantial change over the Z390 Phantom Gaming 9 is the upgraded 802.11ax WiFi Module with WiFI 6 certification. Given the product positioning, most buyers may well be using wired connections already, particularly considering this motherboard also includes dual Gigabit LAN and a 2.5Gigabit LAN port, so the up-rated WiFi may be unused by many buyers.
The head-scratcher is whether the additional price premium over the Z390 Phantom Gaming 9 is justified, and worth paying. UK availability of the new X model is limited, so we'll use prices from the USA as a reference: the Z390 Phantom Gaming 9 currently sells for $250 while the Z390 Phantom Gaming X sells for $320.
For that extra cost the primary changes are the upgraded WiFi module, thermal armor (which extends M.2 cooling from 1 slot to all 3 slots), a backplate, an improved CPU VRM solution and integrated I/O shield. There are, unfortunately, a couple of set-backs which include one less integrated RGB lighting zone (the previously illuminated audio PCB area on the Phantom Gaming 9 has been removed) while the dedicated VRM temperatures sensors also appear to have vanished, though it's unclear if that's hardware, firmware or software induced.
Regardless of the merits of the Phantom Gaming X, the ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming 9 was already capable of handling Intel's 8-Core CPUs when overclocked and is still the better value choice, unless prospective buyers specifically require some of the new additions of the X model. There are also other Z390 motherboards to contemplate in the same $£250-300 bracket such as the Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Master and MSI MEG Z390 ACE.
Like with it's predecessor it is clear to see that the ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming X is a premium offering with generous connectivity, high build quality and excellent all-round performance. There are certainly more affordable propositions in the market but these may be false-economy if building an 8-core system with the intention of overclocking, and will almost certainly include less connectivity as standard.
At the right price, the ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming X would be an excellent choice for any system builder looking to get the most out of one of Intel's latest 8-Core i9 9900 CPUS (K/KF/KS).
The ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming X is not currently sold at any major UK retailers but can be bought from Newegg for £339.21 including taxes and shipping to the UK.
In the USA it can be had for $319.99 at Newegg and has a 3 year warranty.
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Pros:
- Extensive networking connectivity – 2.5 Gigabit, dual 1 Gigabit and 2400Mbps 802.11ax WiFi-6 with Bluetooth v5.0
- Triple M.2 slots, all with cooling
- Sturdy backplate
- Integrated I/O Shield
- High quality audio
- Ample SATA and USB connectivity
- 8 fan headers
- 2 onboard RGB lighting zones with 3 RGB headers
- Heat-pipe cooling for the CPU VRM
- Diagnostic tools – onboard power/reset buttons, dual BIOS, clear CMOS button, debug code reader
- High phase count CPU VRM (12+2) with high quality components
- Includes display outputs for integrated graphics
Cons:
- One less RGB lighting zone than the ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming 9;
- VRM temperature sensors and monitoring present on the ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming 9 has vanished;
- Significant premium over ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming 9;
KitGuru says: A capable and fitting foundation for one of Intel's Core i9 9900(K/KS/KF) CPUs. ASRock's own Z390 Phantom Gaming 9 still feels like a better value proposition but the Z390 Phantom Gaming X does include some valuable improvements and is an impressive offering.
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