Page 2
Contact Information If you need to contact ASRock or want to know more about ASRock, you’re welcome to visit ASRock’s website at http://www.asrock.com; or you may contact your dealer for further information. For technical questions, please submit a support request form at https://event.asrock.com/tsd.asp...
If you require technical support related to this mother- board, please visit our website for specific information about the model you are using. You may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support list on ASRock’s website as well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com.
Supports 4400 MHz Natively for Xeon W3, W5-3423 and W5-3433. Overclocking is not supported. * Actual support may vary by CPU • Max. capacity of system memory: 2TB * Please refer to Memory Support List on ASRock's website for more information. (http://www.asrock.com/)
Page 7
W790 WS Expansion CPU: Slot • 4 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Slots (PCIE1/PCIE3 at x16; PCIE2/PCIE5 at x8)* Chipset: • 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4), supports x4 mode* • 1 x Vertical M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT...
Page 8
• 2 x USB4 Thunderbolt 4 Type-C (Rear) • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front) • 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear) • 8 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (4 Rear, 4 Front) • 3 x USB 2.0 (Front) * All USB ports support ESD Protection Rear Panel • 2 x Antenna Ports...
Page 9
W790 WS Connector • 1 x Virtual RAID On CPU Header • 1 x SPI TPM Header • 1 x Chassis Intrusion and Speaker Header • 1 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin)* • 1 x CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)** • 3 x Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan...
Page 10
• ErP/EuP ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required) • CEC Tier II ready * For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking, including adjusting the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking Technology, or using third-party overclocking tools.
W790 WS 1.4 I/O Panel No. Description No. Description 10G LAN RJ-45 Port USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Port (USB32_6) ( Marvell (Aquantia) AQC113CS ) * USB 4.0 Thunderbolt 10G LAN RJ-45 Port Type-C Port (TB_2)**** ( Marvell (Aquantia) AQC113CS ) * USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Port...
Page 14
Function Line Out Jack Front speaker out (Rear Panel) Pink-Mic Rear speaker out (Front Panel) Microphone Input Jack 5.1ch Central/Subwoofer speaker out (Rear Panel) Lime-Headphone 7.1ch Side Speaker out (Front Panel) ****For the Thunderbolt compatibility and limitation, please visit www.asrock.com.
1.6 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module and ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antenna 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E + BT Module This motherboard comes with an exclusive 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi 6E + BT v5.3 module that offers support for 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi 6E connectivity standards and Bluetooth v5.3.
W790 WS Chapter 2 Installation This is an EATX form factor motherboard. Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. Pre-installation Precautions Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.
2.2 Installing Memory Modules (DIMM) This motherboard provides eight 288-pin DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) DIMM slots in two groups, and supports Quad Channel Memory Technology. 1. For eight channel configuration, you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip-type) DDR5 DIMM pairs.
2.3 Connecting the Front Panel Header Front Panel Wires System Panel Header Power SW (-) RESET SW (+) Power SW (+) RESET SW (-) Power LED (-) HDD LED (-) Power LED (+) HDD LED (+) PANEL1...
Page 31
W790 WS Expansion Slots (PCIe Slots) There are 5 PCI Express slots on the motherboard. Before installing an expansion card, please make sure that the power supply is switched off or the power cord is unplugged. Please read the documentation of the expansion card and make necessary hardware settings for the card before you start the installation.
W790 WS 2.10 Jumpers Setup The illustration shows how jumpers are setup. When the jumper cap is placed on the pins, the jumper is “Short”. If no jumper cap is placed on the pins, the jumper is “Open”. Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRMOS1) (see p.7, No.
2.11 Onboard Headers and Connectors Onboard headers and connectors are NOT jumpers. Do NOT place jumper caps over these headers and connectors. Placing jumper caps over the headers and connectors will cause permanent damage to the motherboard. System Panel Header (9-pin PANEL1) (see p.7, No.
Page 37
W790 WS Chassis Intrusion and Speaker Header (7-pin SPK_CI1) (see p.7, No. 25) Please connect the chassis intrusion and the chassis speaker to this header. SPK_CI1 SPEAKER DUMMY DUMMY SIGNAL DUMMY...
Page 38
Serial ATA3 Connectors Right Angle: (SATA3_0) (see p.7, No. 21)(Upper) (SATA3_1) (see p.7, No. 21)(Lower) (SATA3_2) (see p.7, No. 20)(Upper) (SATA3_3) (see p.7, No. 20)(Lower) (SATA3_4) (see p.7, No. 19)(Upper) (SATA3_5) (see p.7, No. 19)(Lower) (SATA3_6) (see p.7, No. 18)(Upper) (SATA3_7) (see p.7, No.
Page 39
W790 WS USB 2.0 Headers (9-pin USB_1_2) (see p.7, No. 28) (5-pin USB_3) (see p.7, No. 27) There are two headers on this motherboard. USB_3 P- P+ USB_PWR USB_1_2 USB_PWR DUMMY USB_PWR...
Page 40
USB 3.2 Gen1 Headers Right Angle: (19-pin USB32_7_8) (see p.7, No. 13) Vertical: (19-pin USB32_9_10) (see p.7, No. 29) There are two headers on this motherboard. Each USB 3.2 Gen1 header can support two ports. USB32_7_8 Dummy IntA_PA_D+ IntA_PB_D+ IntA_PA_D- IntA_PB_D- IntA_PA_SSTX+ IntA_PB_SSTX+...
Page 41
W790 WS Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (20-pin USB32_TC1) (see p.7, No. 14) There is one Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header on this motherboard. This header is used for connecting a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 module for additional USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports.
Page 42
Front Panel Audio Header (9-pin HD_AUDIO1) (see p.7, No. 34) This header is for connecting audio devices to the front audio panel. HD_AUDIO1 PRESENCE# MIC_RET OUT_RET OUT2_L J_SENSE OUT2_R MIC2_R MIC2_L High Definition Audio supports Jack Sensing, but the panel wire on the chassis must sup- port HDA to function correctly.
Page 43
W790 WS Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connectors (4-pin CHA_FAN1/WP) (see p.7, No. 12) (4-pin CHA_FAN2/WP) (see p.7, No. 30) (4-pin CHA_FAN3/WP) (see p.7, No. 31) This motherboard provides three 4-Pin water cooling chassis fan connectors. If you plan to connect a 3-Pin chassis water cooler fan, please connect it to Pin 1-3.
Page 44
CPU Fan Connector (4-pin CPU_FAN1) (see p.7, No. 10) This motherboard provides a 4-Pin CPU fan (Quiet Fan) connector. If you plan to connect a 3-Pin CPU fan, please connect it to Pin 1-3. CPU_FAN1 +12V CPU_F AN_SPEED FAN_SPEED_CONTROL CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin CPU_FAN2/WP_3A) (see p.7, No.9) This motherboard provides a 4-Pin water cooling CPU fan connector.
Page 45
W790 WS ATX Power Connector (24-pin ATXPWR1) (see p.7, No. 11) This motherboard provides a 24-pin ATX power connector. To use a 20-pin ATX power supply, please plug it along Pin 1 and Pin 13. ATXPWR1...
Page 46
8-pin ATX 12V Power Connectors (8-pin ATX12V1) (see p.7, No. 2) (8-pin ATX12V2) (see p.7, No. 7) This motherboard provides two 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors. To use a 4-pin ATX power supply, please plug it along Pin 1 and Pin 5. *Connecting an ATX 12V 8-pin cable to ATX12V2 is optional.
Page 47
W790 WS 6-pin ATX 12V Power Connector Right Angle: (6-pin ATX12V3) (see p.7, No. 8) This motherboard provides a 6-pin ATX 12V power connector. To use a 4-pin ATX power supply, please plug it along Pin 1 and Pin 5.
Page 48
Graphics 12V Power Connectors Right Angle: (8-pin GFX_12V1) (see p.7, No. 16) (8-pin GFX_12V2 (see p.7, No. 17) This motherboard provides two Graphics 12V 8 pin Power Connectors. * Be sure to install the PSU’s power cable to this connector when PCIe card is installed.
Page 49
W790 WS SPI TPM Header (13-pin SPI_TPM_J1) (see p.7, No. 26) This connector supports SPI Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can securely store keys, digital certificates, passwords, and data. A TPM system also helps enhance network security, protects digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.
Page 50
U.2 Connector Right Angle: (36-pin U2_1) (see p.7, No. 15) This connector supports U.2 NVM Express storage devices up to Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s). U2_1...
Page 51
W790 WS Virtual RAID On CPU Header (4-pin VROC1) (see p.7, No. 1) This connector supports Intel® Virtual RAID on CPU and NVME/AHCI RAID on CPU PCIE. VROC1 +3VSB VROC RAID KEY With the introduction of the Intel VROC product, there are three modes of operation:...
2.12 Smart Buttons The motherboard has four smart buttons: Power Button, Reset Button, Clear CMOS Button and BIOS Flashback Button, allowing users to quickly turn on/off the system, reset the system, clear the CMOS values or flash the BIOS. Power Button (PWRBTN1) (see p.7, No.
Page 53
W790 WS Clear CMOS Button (CLRCBTN1) (see p.7, No. 32) Clear CMOS Button allows users to quickly clear the CMOS values. CLRCBTN1 This function is workable only when you power off your computer and unplug the power supply.
Page 54
BIOS Flashback Button (BIOS_FB1) (see p.9, No. 14) BIOS Flashback Button allows users to flash the BIOS. BIOS_FB1 USB BIOS Flashback port...
Page 55
W790 WS ASRock BIOS Flashback feature allows you to update BIOS without powering on the system, even without CPU. Before using the BIOS Flashback function, please suspend BitLocker and any encryption or security relying on the TPM. Make sure that you have already stored and backup-ed the recovery key.
2.13 Dr. Debug Dr. Debug is used to provide code information, which makes troubleshooting even easier. Please see the diagrams below for reading the Dr. Debug codes. Code Description 0x10 PEI_CORE_STARTED 0x11 PEI_CAR_CPU_INIT 0x15 PEI_CAR_NB_INIT 0x19 PEI_CAR_SB_INIT 0x31 PEI_MEMORY_INSTALLED 0x32 PEI_CPU_INIT 0x33 PEI_CPU_CACHE_INIT...
Page 62
2.14 M.2 SSD Module Installation Guide (M2_1) The M.2 is a small size and versatile card edge connector that aims to replace mPCIe and mSATA. The Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M) supports type 2230/2242/2260/2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode. Installing the M.2 SSD Module Step 1 Prepare a M.2 SSD module and the...
Page 63
W790 WS Step 3 Before installing a M.2 SSD module, please loosen the screws to remove the M.2 heatsink. *Please remove the protective films on the bottom side of the M.2 heatsink before you install a M.2 SSD module. Step 4 Prepare the M.2 standoff that comes...
Page 64
Step 6 Before securing the M.2 heatsink, make sure to align the notch on the SSD to the standoff on the motherboard if you use a Type 2280 SSD module; otherwise, the SSD module may be damaged. *The illustrations here are for reference only.
Page 65
W790 WS Step 7 Tighten the screw with a screwdriver to secure the M.2 heatsink into place in the order shown. Tighten screw opposite the M.2 connector first (2), and then tighten the one next to the M.2 connector (3).
Page 66
2.15 M.2_SSD (NGFF) Module Installation Guide (M2_2 and M2_3) The M.2 is a small size and versatile card edge connector that aims to replace mPCIe and mSATA. The Blazing M.2 Sockets (M2_2 and M2_3, Key M) support type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode .
Page 67
W790 WS Step 3 Before installing a M.2 SSD module, please loosen the screws to remove the M.2 heatsink. *Please remove the protective films on the bottom side of the M.2 heatsink before you install a M.2 SSD module. Step 4 Move the standoff based on the module type and length.
Page 68
Tighten the screw with a screwdriver to secure the M.2 heatsink into place. Please do not overtighten the screw as this might damage the M.2 heatsink. For the latest updates of M.2 SSD module support list, please visit our website for details: http://www.asrock.com...
Page 69
W790 WS 2.16 M.2_SSD (NGFF) Module Installation Guide (M2_4) The M.2, also known as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a small size and versatile card edge connector that aims to replace mPCIe and mSATA. The Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_4, Key M) supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode.
Page 70
Step 3 Before installing a M.2 SSD module, please loosen the screws to remove the M.2 heatsink. *Please remove the protective films on the bottom side of the M.2 heatsink before you install a M.2 SSD module. Step 4 Peel off the yellow protective film on the nut A.
Page 71
W790 WS Step 6 Tighten the screw with a screwdriver to secure the module into place. Please do not overtighten the screw as this might damage the module. NUT2 NUT1 Skip Step 6 if your M.2 SSD module is Type 2280.
Page 72
M.2 connector (3). *Please do not overtighten the screw as this might damage the module and M.2 heatsink. For the latest updates of M.2 SSD module support list, please visit our website for details: http://www.asrock.com...
Page 73
(including damages for loss of profits, loss of business, loss of data, interruption of business and the like), even if ASRock has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any defect or error in the documentation or product.
Page 74
INTEL END USER SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT IMPORTANT - READ BEFORE COPYING, INSTALLING OR USING. LICENSE. Licensee has a license under Intel’s copyrights to reproduce Intel’s Software only in its unmodified and binary form, (with the accompanying documentation, the “Software”) for Licensee’s personal use only, and not commercial use, in connection with Intel-based products for which the Software has been provided, subject to the following conditions: (a) Licensee may not disclose, distribute or transfer any part of the Software, and You agree...
Page 75
U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS. The Software is a commercial item (as defined in 48 C.F.R. 2.101) consisting of commercial computer software and commercial computer software documentation (as those terms are used in 48 C.F.R. 12.212), consistent with 48 C.F.R. 12.212 and 48 C.F.R 227.7202-1 through 227.7202-4. You will not provide the Software to the U.S.
Page 76
If you require assistance please call ASRock Tel : +886-2-28965588 ext.123 (Standard International call charges apply)
Page 77
ASRock follows the green design concept to design and manufacture our products, and makes sure that each stage of the product life cycle of ASRock product is in line with global environmental regulations. In addition, ASRock disclose the relevant information based on regulation requirements.
Page 78
Operations in the 5.15-5.35GHz band are restricted to indoor usage only. Radio transmit power per transceiver type Function Frequency Maximum Output Power (EIRP) 2400-2483.5 MHz 18.5 + / -1.5 dbm 5150-5250 MHz 21.5 + / -1.5 dbm 18.5 + / -1.5 dbm (no TPC) 5250-5350 MHz 21.5 + / -1.5 dbm (TPC) WiFi...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the W790 WS and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers