The world of PC building has changed dramatically over the last decade. Gone are the days when you needed a massive tower just to fit in powerful components. Thanks to compact cases and feature-packed motherboards, gamers and creators can now build small form factor (SFF) PCs that don’t compromise on performance.
One of the most popular motherboards in this category is the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming. Built by ASUS under its well-known Republic of Gamers (ROG) lineup, this mini-ITX board has become a go-to choice for enthusiasts who want premium features in a compact package.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming. We’ll explore its design, features, performance, strengths, weaknesses, and how it stacks up against competitors. By the end, you’ll know exactly whether this motherboard deserves a spot in your next gaming or productivity build.
What Makes the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming Special?
The first thing to know about the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming is that it belongs to the Z390 chipset family. The Z390 chipset was designed by Intel for 8th and 9th Generation Core processors (such as the i7-9700K and i9-9900K). It’s especially popular among gamers because it supports overclocking and delivers high-speed connectivity options like USB 3.1 Gen 2 and integrated Wi-Fi.
But what sets this motherboard apart is its mini-ITX form factor. At just 17 x 17 cm, it’s much smaller than traditional ATX or even micro-ATX boards. This makes it perfect for compact PC cases, LAN party setups, or living-room gaming rigs. Despite its size, ASUS has packed it with features you’d normally only expect from larger, more expensive boards.
Design and Build Quality
When you first look at the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming, you immediately notice the premium design. ASUS has gone with a sleek black PCB, subtle branding, and integrated Aura Sync RGB lighting. For anyone who enjoys customizing their setup with LED effects, this is a big plus.
The build quality is outstanding. The reinforced PCIe slot ensures that even heavy graphics cards won’t bend the board, and the VRM heatsinks are solid, keeping temperatures under control. ASUS also made clever use of limited space, fitting dual M.2 slots without making the board look cluttered.
If you’re someone who values aesthetics as much as performance, the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming strikes a nice balance between minimalist and stylish.
Key Features of the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming
Support for Intel 8th & 9th Gen CPUs
The Z390 chipset is designed to handle Intel’s 8th and 9th Gen processors. That includes everything from budget i3 chips to the high-end i9-9900K. For gamers, this means you can build anything from a mid-range budget PC to a high-performance rig with the latest CPUs of that generation.
Dual M.2 Slots with NVMe Support
Storage is often a concern in compact builds, but ASUS solved this by including two M.2 slots. Both support NVMe SSDs, which means you can enjoy lightning-fast boot times and game loading speeds. If you prefer, you can even run them in RAID for extra performance.
Built-In Wi-Fi and Intel Gigabit LAN
One of the best things about this motherboard is its connectivity options. It comes with both Intel Gigabit Ethernet for wired connections and 802.11ac Wi-Fi for wireless. This means you won’t have to worry about buying a separate Wi-Fi card, saving both money and space.
SupremeFX Audio
Good sound is important for an immersive gaming experience. ASUS equipped the board with SupremeFX S1220A audio codec, which delivers crystal-clear audio whether you’re using gaming headsets or high-quality speakers.
Aura Sync RGB Lighting
Customizability is a big part of PC building today. The board supports Aura Sync, which allows you to synchronize RGB lighting across your components. There are also headers for addressable RGB strips, letting you expand the lighting system however you want.
Performance and Overclocking Capabilities
The ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming isn’t just about features; it’s about performance. Thanks to its 12-phase power delivery system, it can handle overclocking even on demanding CPUs like the Intel i9-9900K.
Overclockers will appreciate how stable the board is, even when pushing processors to higher frequencies. ASUS’s AI Overclocking and Fan Xpert 4 software make tuning easy for both beginners and experienced users.
In terms of memory, the board supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, clocked as high as 4600MHz (OC). This makes it suitable not only for gaming but also for heavy multitasking, content creation, and streaming.
In real-world gaming, the board delivers smooth performance across modern titles. Paired with a good GPU, it can easily handle 4K gaming and VR setups.
Connectivity and Expansion Options
Despite being a mini-ITX board, the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming has impressive connectivity.
- Rear I/O Ports Include:
- 2x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type-A and Type-C)
- 4x USB 3.1 Gen 1
- HDMI 2.0
- DisplayPort 1.2
- Intel Gigabit LAN port
- 3.5mm audio jacks with SupremeFX support
- Expansion Options:
- 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (reinforced, perfect for GPUs)
- Multiple fan headers
- 2x M.2 slots + 4x SATA ports
For a board this small, that’s an impressive lineup. While you don’t get multiple PCIe slots (as expected with mini-ITX), you do get everything necessary for a high-end gaming system.
Who Is the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming For?
Gamers
If you want a powerful gaming PC in a small case, this motherboard is an excellent choice. It’s compact enough to fit into ITX cases yet powerful enough to run AAA games at high settings.
Content Creators
Video editors, streamers, and designers will appreciate the fast storage options and strong CPU support. Paired with plenty of RAM, this board can easily handle creative workloads.
Enthusiasts and Modders
If you love building unique PCs with custom loops, RGB lighting, and small footprints, the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming offers the flexibility and style you need.
Pros and Cons of the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming
Pros
- Compact mini-ITX form factor with premium features
- Dual M.2 slots with NVMe support
- Excellent overclocking potential
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Intel Gigabit Ethernet
- SupremeFX audio for immersive gaming
- Aura Sync RGB lighting support
Cons
- Limited PCIe expansion due to ITX size
- Premium price compared to other boards
- Small size can make cable management challenging in tight cases
Comparison with Other Z390 Motherboards
To understand the value of the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming, let’s compare it with some alternatives:
- ASUS ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming – Larger ATX form factor, more expansion slots, but not as compact.
- MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC – Another ITX option, usually cheaper, but with fewer premium touches.
- Gigabyte Z390 AORUS Ultra – Great ATX board with strong overclocking, but larger in size.
If you need expandability, an ATX board might be better. But if compactness is your priority, the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming is hard to beat.
Real-World User Experience
Many builders who have used the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming praise its stability, aesthetics, and ease of setup. Overclockers enjoy the reliability of its VRMs, while gamers love the fast connectivity and smooth performance.
One challenge often mentioned is space management inside mini-ITX cases. Because the board is so small, you’ll need to plan your build carefully, especially when it comes to cooling and cable routing. However, this is a trade-off for getting such powerful features in a tiny form factor.
Final Verdict
The ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming proves that you don’t need a massive case or a full-sized motherboard to build a powerhouse gaming PC. With strong overclocking, dual M.2 slots, Wi-Fi, RGB lighting, and excellent connectivity, it offers nearly everything an ATX board does—just in a smaller footprint.
Yes, it’s priced higher than some competing boards, and yes, expandability is limited compared to ATX models. But if you want a compact, stylish, and powerful PC, this motherboard is one of the best choices you can make.
For gamers, creators, and enthusiasts who value small form factor builds, the ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming is absolutely worth considering.