Overview

The ASRock Z790M PG LIGHTNING/D4 is a Micro ATX motherboard built around the Intel Z790 chipset, supporting 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core processors via the LGA1700 socket. It accepts up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, making it a cost-effective choice for builders who want to reuse existing DDR4 RAM or save on memory costs. The board targets budget-conscious gamers and general users who need modern platform features without the premium of DDR5.
Positioned in the entry-to-midrange segment, this motherboard offers PCIe 5.0 for the primary graphics slot, dual M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 support, and a solid set of connectivity options. The Micro ATX form factor fits into a wide range of cases, from compact towers to standard mid-towers, while still providing enough expansion for most users.
With a street price around ¥31,800 (approx. $220 USD), the Z790M PG LIGHTNING/D4 competes directly with other DDR4 Z790 boards from ASUS and Gigabyte. Its main selling point is the balance between price and features, especially for those who don't need the bandwidth of DDR5.

Compatibility Guide

This motherboard uses the LGA1700 socket, compatible with Intel Core i9, i7, i5, i3, Pentium, and Celeron processors from the 12th, 13th, and 14th generations. Memory support is limited to DDR4, with two DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB in dual-channel configuration. XMP 2.0 profiles are supported for overclocking memory speeds beyond the official DDR4-3200 limit.
The form factor is Micro ATX (244mm x 244mm), fitting most Micro ATX and ATX cases. Expansion includes one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot (for the GPU), one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (electrical x4), and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Storage options include two M.2 slots (both PCIe 4.0 x4) and four SATA 6Gbps ports. Note that one M.2 slot shares bandwidth with a SATA port, so using both M.2 slots may disable one SATA port.
Power delivery uses a standard 24-pin ATX main connector and an 8-pin CPU power connector. A 650W PSU is sufficient for mid-range builds, but high-end CPUs like the Core i9-14900K may require 750W or more depending on the GPU.

Product Info

The ASRock Z790M PG LIGHTNING/D4 launched in early 2023 and carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price around ¥31,800. It comes with a standard 3-year warranty. The board is available through major Japanese online retailers and Yahoo Shopping, as well as brick-and-mortar PC shops.
In the market, it sits at the entry-to-midrange tier. By pairing the Z790 chipset with DDR4 support, ASRock offers a lower-cost alternative to DDR5 Z790 boards. The chipset itself consumes only about 6W, so thermal management is straightforward. The board lacks built-in Wi-Fi, but a M.2 Key E slot is available for adding a wireless card.

Best Use Cases

  • Budget Gaming Builds: Ideal for pairing with a Core i5-14600K or i7-14700K and a mid-range GPU like the RTX 4060 or RX 7600. DDR4 memory keeps costs down while still delivering solid 1080p and 1440p gaming performance. Not recommended for those who need the highest memory bandwidth for competitive esports at 360Hz+.
  • Small Form Factor Enthusiasts: The Micro ATX size allows for compact builds without sacrificing too many expansion slots. Great for LAN party rigs or desk-friendly PCs. However, if you need the absolute smallest footprint, consider Mini-ITX.
  • DDR4 Holdovers: Users upgrading from an older platform (e.g., LGA1200 or AM4) who have high-quality DDR4 kits can reuse them here, saving significant money. This board is not for early adopters of DDR5.
  • Office or Home Server: With four SATA ports and dual M.2 slots, it can serve as a capable home server or workstation for light virtualization. The lack of ECC memory support may be a limitation for serious NAS builds.

Things to Consider

The most obvious limitation is DDR4-only support. While this keeps costs low, it also means you won't benefit from the higher bandwidth and lower latency of DDR5, which can matter in CPU-bound scenarios like 1080p gaming or content creation. Additionally, the VRM design is modest (8-phase Dr.MOS), so pairing with a Core i9-14900K may cause thermal throttling under sustained all-core loads unless airflow is excellent.
Compared to competitors like the ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS D4 or Gigabyte Z790 UD D4, the ASRock board often comes in at a lower price but may have fewer USB ports, no built-in Wi-Fi, and a simpler audio codec. If you need integrated Wi-Fi or more rear I/O, consider stepping up to a slightly more expensive model.
Also note that the second PCIe x16 slot runs at x4 electrically, so it's not suitable for a second GPU. For most users this is fine, but if you plan to use multiple high-bandwidth cards, look for a full ATX board.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a Core i9-14900K with this motherboard?
A: Yes, the socket is compatible, but the VRM may struggle under heavy all-core loads. Ensure good case airflow and consider undervolting the CPU. For i9 builds, a board with a stro