Leak – Next-gen Intel ASRock Z990 motherboards are shipping
Intel Z990 motherboards are currently shipping
Motherboards for Intel’s next-generation Nova Lake CPU platforms have started shipping, with various Intel ASRock Z990 models getting spotted in shipping manifests. These motherboards are all Intel Z990 designs, with models being spotted from the Steel Legend, Challenger, Pro RS, and Taichi product lines.
This list includes Creator-series and white motherboard variants, suggesting ASRock’s Z990 lineup is mature and design-complete. However, that doesn’t mean these motherboards are retail-ready.
A recently leaked Intel CPU roadmap, has stated that Intel Nova Lake CPU mass production is due to start in Q4 2026. In Q1 2027, Intel will release its first Nova Lake series CPUs, starting with their 28-core model. Later in 2027, Intel plans to release larger Nova Lake variants with up to 52 CPU cores. All of these CPUs will be compatible with Z990 motherboards and their LGA1954 CPU socket.
The following Intel ASRock Z990 motherboards have been spotted:
- ASRock Z990 Steel Legend WIFI
- ASRock Z990 Challenger WIFI
- ASRock Z990 Challenger WIFI White
- ASRock Z990 Pro RS
- ASRock Z990 Taichi Creator
- ASRock Z990 Taichi White
(Image via Club386)
Right now, we expect Intel to launch Nova Lake at CES 2027. However, Intel may decide to preview Nova Lake earlier. With Lunar Lake and Panther Lake, Intel has given analysts previews of their new CPU architectures ahead of launch. If Intel previews Nova Lake, it will likely focus on the company’s architectural enhancements and power draw, rather than pure performance numbers. After all, previews shouldn’t reveal everything.
Join the discussion on ASRock’s Intel Z990 motherboards being discovered in shipping on the OC3D Forums.
