This article covers ASRock マザーボード Z490M Pro4 Intel 10世代 CPU (LGA1200) 対応 Z490 チップセット Micro ATX マザーボード 【国内正規代理店品】.

Overview

The ASRock Z490M Pro4 is a Micro ATX motherboard built around the Intel Z490 chipset, supporting 10th Gen Intel Core processors via the LGA1200 socket. It packs DDR4 memory support, PCIe 3.0 expansion, and a solid VRM design into a compact footprint, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders who still want overclocking capability.
Key features include a large VRM heatsink, ASRock's innovative PCB cooling technology, and BASE Frequency Boost (BFB) for non-K CPUs. With four DDR4 slots, three M.2 sockets, and dual PCIe x16 slots, this board offers a balanced set of modern connectivity at an affordable price point—typically around 13,000 yen.

Compatibility Guide

This motherboard uses the LGA1200 socket and is compatible exclusively with Intel 10th Gen Core processors (Comet Lake). Memory support is DDR4, up to 128 GB across four slots, with XMP profiles for overclocking RAM. The Micro ATX form factor fits into most ATX and Micro ATX cases, though clearance for large CPU coolers and graphics cards should be verified.
Storage options include four SATA3 ports and three M.2 slots (two support PCIe Gen3 x4 and SATA3; one is dedicated for a WiFi module). Expansion comes from two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (x16 + x4 electrical) and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Power is delivered via a 24-pin ATX main connector and an 8-pin EPS12V CPU connector—a decent 500W+ PSU is recommended for overclocked builds.

Product Info

Launched in mid-2020, the ASRock Z490M Pro4 remains available through major retailers like online retailers. Pricing hovers around ¥13,000–14,000, making it one of the most affordable Z490 boards on the market. The warranty is one year from the manufacturer for official domestic distributors.
Positioned as a mid-range offering, this board skips premium features like PCIe 4.0, built-in Wi-Fi, and 2.5GbE, but it delivers stable performance and overclocking headroom for 10th Gen CPUs at a fraction of the cost of high-end Z490 models.

Best Use Cases

  • Budget Gaming Builds: Pair this board with a Core i5-10400F or i7-10700K and a mid-range GPU like the RTX 3060 or RX 6600 for a capable 1080p gaming rig. The Z490 chipset allows memory and CPU overclocking, squeezing extra performance without breaking the bank.
  • Compact Office/Home PC: With its Micro ATX size, it fits neatly into smaller cases. Combine with a non-K CPU and integrated graphics for a quiet, low-cost general-purpose PC. Note that you'll need a dedicated GPU for gaming or GPU-accelerated workloads.
  • Entry-Level Overclocking: First-time overclockers will appreciate the intuitive ASRock UEFI BIOS with OC Tweaker presets. While the 10-phase VRM isn't designed for extreme i9 overclocks, it handles i5 and i7 chips at moderate OC settings without issue.

Things to Consider

This board lacks PCIe 4.0 support entirely—if you plan to use an RTX 30-series or later GPU or a fast NVMe SSD at Gen4 speeds, step up to a Z590 or B560 board. Also, there's no onboard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; you'll need to add a M.2 Key E card or USB dongle.
The VRM layout, while adequate for most 10th Gen CPUs, may struggle with an overclocked i9-10900K under sustained heavy loads. For such a chip, look for a board with a beefier heatsink and more phases. Additionally, the two usable M.2 slots (one is for Wi-Fi only) might be limiting if you want multiple fast SSDs.

FAQ

Q: Can I use an 11th Gen Intel Core CPU on this board?
A: No. The Z490 chipset only officially supports 10th Gen (Comet Lake) processors. 11th Gen (Rocket Lake) requires a 500-series chipset like the Z590.
Q: Does it support PCIe 4.0?
A: No, it is limited to PCIe 3.0. PCIe 4.0 GPUs and SSDs will work but will run at PCIe 3.0 speeds.
Q: What is the maximum memory speed supported?
A: Officially up to DDR4-2933 (overclocked). Many users successfully run XMP profiles for DDR4-3600 or higher, but stability depends on the specific memory kit and CPU memory controller.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: ASRock
  • ASIN: B087TDJ2QN
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.