If you’ve been keeping up with our hardware reviews, you’ll no doubt have rolled your eyes as I mention my affinity for all things RGB, but I recently wrote a review for the ASUS ProArt PA401 Wood Edition Case, and it started to change my mind. Now, just when I thought I had decided on the components for my next build, ASUS has thrown another spanner in the works, and I once again find myself drooling over a motherboard.

With an elegant design that emphasises smooth curves, sharp edges, and bold geometric graphics, the ASUS ProArt Z890-Creator WiFi motherboard exudes a sense of superiority. Sure, it’s missing the RGB shiny bits that I love so much, but as my eyes drift over the sophisticated design, my heart starts to flutter, and something begins to stir in the pit of my stomach.

Could it be love at first sight?

While looks are important for the initial attraction, the foundations of a good relationship stem from what’s inside, and the ASUS ProArt Z890-Creator WiFi motherboard has plenty to offer. The LGA1851 socket is designed to take Series 2 Intel Core Ultra Processors, supporting both Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, depending on which CPU you use.

Four DIMM slots support up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM at up to 9066+ MT/s (OC), with Dual channel memory architecture and support for Intel Extreme Memory Profile and ASIS Enhanced Memory Profile III, all of which are supported by Exclusive AI Technologies designed to make overclocking and cooling simple, such as DIMM Fit and DIMM Flex.

I am a huge fan of ASUS’s Easy to DIY methodology, and the Q-System is one of the best quality-of-life features I have come across, but being the flirt that it is, the ASUS ProArt Z890-Creator WiFi motherboard offers even more than the others.

Not only does the primary PCIe 5.0 X4 M.2 slot come with a dedicated Q-Release capable heatsink, but the heatsink that covers the Intel Z890 chipset and four additional PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots does as well. The whole plate lifts away with a simple button press, granting easy access to additional storage solutions. These are also supplied with the new M.2 Q-Latch mechanism, with the primary slot supporting the M.2 Q-Slide.

The downside is that the heatsink plate also wraps around two of the three expansion slots, but ASUS have already addressed this concern. Each expansion slot comes with the PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim, a system that secures the card onto the board, automatically unlocking for easy removal should you need to temporarily remove or replace your device.

The two main slots are PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, capable of supporting either x16 or x8/x8 modes, while the third is PCIe 4.0 x16 with support for x4 mode. This slot also shares bandwidth with the fifth M.2 slot, so it will shut down if the fifth M.2 slot is in use, but when you have two PCIe 5.0 slots begging for attention, you’ve got more than you need.

Additional cooling can be achieved through a whole host of fans, so it’s fortunate that the ASUS ProArt Z890-Creator WiFi motherboard comes with enough 4-pin fan connectors to launch an aircraft. Benefitting from AI Cooling II and connections for thermal sensors, there are two headers associated with the CPU, the primary and an OPT, as well as five additional headers strategically located around the motherboard, ensuring it can generate more airflow than Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Although not directly related to airflow, a dedicated header will run your liquid cooling pump, and yes, if you do happen to deck out your rig with RGB elements, there are three Aura Sync-capable addressable Gen3 headers, so even if the motherboard doesn’t light up, you can still get your glowy fix.

As a content creator of sorts, I understand the importance of transfer speed, and when you get the urge to do some work, nothing is more frustrating than waiting for freshly recorded content to transfer from one device to another. The rear I/O panel houses two Thunderbolt 5 USB Type-C ports and a USB4 Thunderbolt Type-C. With compatible devices, you can enjoy up to 80 Gbps bi-directional bandwidth and up to 120 Gbps with Bandwidth Boost.

Alternatively, the Thunderbolt 5 connections can be used to connect an 8K capable monitor, ensuring you see every tiny detail or two 4K monitors for side-by-side comparison. These are further supported by six additional USB Type-A ports, all boasting an amazing 10 Gbps transfer speed.

When it’s time to upload to the ‘Tube, the ASUS ProArt Z890-Creator WiFi motherboard once again has you covered. A dual-transceiver ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna supports 2.4, 5, and 6GHz bands and connects to the rear I/O panel with a reliable push-fit connection. You could also use one of the two Ethernet ports: a Marvell AQtion 10Gb or an Intel 2.5Gb, both of which come with ASUS LANguard.

Gold-plated audio jacks are supported by a Realtek ALC1220P 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC, so not only does the ASUS ProArt Z890-Creator WiFi motherboard look good, but it has the lungs to support an incredible voice. Dedicated audio PCB layers and premium audio capacitors support up to 32-bit/192 kHz playback, and an audio amplifier enhances sound quality for headphones and speakers, preparing to belt out up to 120dB SNR stereo playback. If you can access studio-grade audio equipment, the ASUS ProArt Z890-Creator WiFi motherboard knows how to use it.

Whether you’re working in the audio/visual industry, have a side hustle as a content creator, or just want to play games, the ASUS ProArt Z890-Creator WiFi motherboard has a solution for anything you can throw at it. Coming with trials for Adobe Creative Cloud, WinRAR, and Norton 360 Deluxe, you can dive into your creative projects knowing you have what you need, and ASUS Armour Crate, alongside a host of AI-supported systems, will keep you running at peak efficiency.

Yes. I am in love with it.

Written by: Mathew Lindner