An all-white Intel Z890 motherboard touted as Colorful’s flagship offering under the banner of the ULTRA series. Can it satisfy all the needs of a hardware enthusiast or gamer?
Product on Review: iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W Motherboard
Manufacturer: Colorful
Street Price: USD $550
The Colorful iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W arrives as the latest flagship entry in the company’s distinctive ULTRA series, combining high-end Intel Z890 platform capabilities with a striking white aesthetic inspired by the brand’s popular ULTRA W graphics cards. Designed to support Intel Core Ultra 200S Series processors, the ATX motherboard targets enthusiasts, gamers, and content creators looking for a premium platform that balances performance, visual appeal, and modern connectivity. The board’s hip-hop-inspired styling, multi-layer design elements, and customizable ARGB nameplate help it stand out in a crowded market increasingly focused on all-white system builds.
Beyond its appearance, the iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W introduces several meaningful upgrades over previous ULTRA-series models. Colorful has enhanced the cooling system with a heat pipe and dedicated airflow channel design to improve thermal efficiency around the power delivery components, while next-generation quick-release mechanisms for both the primary PCIe slot and M.2 heatsinks simplify installation and future upgrades. Power delivery is handled by a robust 20+1+1+1 phase VRM design utilizing 90A power stages, providing the foundation required for high-end Intel processors and overclocked operation.
Memory and expansion capabilities are equally impressive. The motherboard supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory with speeds reaching DDR5-9600+, while storage duties are covered by five M.2 slots, including a PCIe 5.0 x4 connection for next-generation SSDs. Expansion includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics slot, complemented by additional PCIe connectivity for add-in cards. Rear I/O is well-equipped with dual USB4 ports, 5GbE networking, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, DisplayPort and HDMI outputs, creating a feature set that caters to both high-performance gaming systems and demanding productivity workloads.
In this review, we’ll be taking a closer look at how the iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W performs beyond its specification sheet. Testing will focus on storage performance, VRM cooling effectiveness under load, and a selection of synthetic benchmarks to determine whether Colorful’s latest ULTRA-series motherboard can match its premium positioning with equally impressive real-world results.
Technical Specifications
Socket:- Intel LGA1851
CPU Support:- Intel Core Ultra Processors
Chipset:- Intel Z890
Form Factor:- ATX
Dimensions:- 30.5cm x 24.4cm
Memory:
– Support for up-to DDR5 9600(OC) / 6400 (JEDEC) MT/s memory modules
– 4 x DDR5 DIMM sockets supporting up to 256 GB (64 GB single DIMM capacity) of system memory
– Dual channel memory architecture
– Support for Extreme Memory Profiles (XMP)
Onboard Graphics:
– 1×DP 1.4 interface, Supports up to 8K 60Hz resolution
– 1×HDMI 2.0 interface, Supports up to 4K 60Hz resolution
Audio:
– Realtek® ALC1220 CODEC
– Support for 7.1-channel
Networking
– RTL8126-CG 5G Ethernet
Wireless Communication module
Intel® Wi-Fi 7 BE200
– 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, be, supporting 2.4/5/6 GHz carrier frequency bands
– BLUETOOTH 5.4
– Support for 11be 320MHz wireless standard
Expansion Slots
CPU:
– 1 x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIEX16), supporting PCIe 5.0 operating at up-to x16
Chipset:
– 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 4.0 and running at x4
– 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 4.0 and running at x1
Storage Interface
5 M.2 slots and 4 SATA 6Gb/s hard disk interfaces
– M.2_1 slot: support 2280/22110 M.2 SSD (PCIe 5.0 x4, CPU channel)
– M.2_2 slot: support 2280 M.2 SSD (PCIe 4.0 x4, CPU channel)
– M.2_3 slot: support 2280/22110 M.2 SSD (PCIe 4.0 x4, Chipset channel)
– M.2_4 slot: support 2280 M.2 SSD (PCIe 4.0 x4, Chipset channel)
– M.2_5 slot: support 2280 M.2 SSD (PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA, Chipset channel)
4x SATA ports
Board I/O:
Rear I/O:
– 4×USB 2.0 interfaces
– 4×USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-A interfaces
– 2×USB4 40Gbps Type-C interfaces (Supports video output, up to 4K 60Hz resolution)
– 1×DP 1.4 interface, Supports up to 8K 60Hz resolution
– 1×HDMI 2.0 interface, Supports up to 4K 60Hz resolution
– 1×5G network interface
– 2×Wi-Fi 7 antenna interfaces
– 5×Audio interfaces
– 1×S/PDIF audio interface
– 1×BIOS update button
– 1×CMOS clearing key
On board:
– 2×USB 2.0 pins can expand 4 USB 2.0 Type-A interfaces
– 1×USB 3.2 Gen 1 pin can expand 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-A interfaces
– 1×USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C slot can expand 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps Type-C interface (support PD3.0 @30W)
– 2×CPU fan pins
– 3×System fan pins
– 1×Water cooling pump pin
– 4×5V 3-pin ARGB pins
– 1×12V 4-pin RGB pin
– 1×Front audio pin
– 1×Front panel pin
– 1×Speaker pin
– 1×COM port pin
– 1×BIOS burner pin
CPU Support:- Intel Core Ultra Processors
Chipset:- Intel Z890
Form Factor:- ATX
Dimensions:- 30.5cm x 24.4cm
Memory:
– Support for up-to DDR5 9600(OC) / 6400 (JEDEC) MT/s memory modules
– 4 x DDR5 DIMM sockets supporting up to 256 GB (64 GB single DIMM capacity) of system memory
– Dual channel memory architecture
– Support for Extreme Memory Profiles (XMP)
Onboard Graphics:
– 1×DP 1.4 interface, Supports up to 8K 60Hz resolution
– 1×HDMI 2.0 interface, Supports up to 4K 60Hz resolution
Audio:
– Realtek® ALC1220 CODEC
– Support for 7.1-channel
Networking
– RTL8126-CG 5G Ethernet
Wireless Communication module
Intel® Wi-Fi 7 BE200
– 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, be, supporting 2.4/5/6 GHz carrier frequency bands
– BLUETOOTH 5.4
– Support for 11be 320MHz wireless standard
Expansion Slots
CPU:
– 1 x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIEX16), supporting PCIe 5.0 operating at up-to x16
Chipset:
– 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 4.0 and running at x4
– 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 4.0 and running at x1
Storage Interface
5 M.2 slots and 4 SATA 6Gb/s hard disk interfaces
– M.2_1 slot: support 2280/22110 M.2 SSD (PCIe 5.0 x4, CPU channel)
– M.2_2 slot: support 2280 M.2 SSD (PCIe 4.0 x4, CPU channel)
– M.2_3 slot: support 2280/22110 M.2 SSD (PCIe 4.0 x4, Chipset channel)
– M.2_4 slot: support 2280 M.2 SSD (PCIe 4.0 x4, Chipset channel)
– M.2_5 slot: support 2280 M.2 SSD (PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA, Chipset channel)
4x SATA ports
Board I/O:
Rear I/O:
– 4×USB 2.0 interfaces
– 4×USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-A interfaces
– 2×USB4 40Gbps Type-C interfaces (Supports video output, up to 4K 60Hz resolution)
– 1×DP 1.4 interface, Supports up to 8K 60Hz resolution
– 1×HDMI 2.0 interface, Supports up to 4K 60Hz resolution
– 1×5G network interface
– 2×Wi-Fi 7 antenna interfaces
– 5×Audio interfaces
– 1×S/PDIF audio interface
– 1×BIOS update button
– 1×CMOS clearing key
On board:
– 2×USB 2.0 pins can expand 4 USB 2.0 Type-A interfaces
– 1×USB 3.2 Gen 1 pin can expand 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-A interfaces
– 1×USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C slot can expand 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps Type-C interface (support PD3.0 @30W)
– 2×CPU fan pins
– 3×System fan pins
– 1×Water cooling pump pin
– 4×5V 3-pin ARGB pins
– 1×12V 4-pin RGB pin
– 1×Front audio pin
– 1×Front panel pin
– 1×Speaker pin
– 1×COM port pin
– 1×BIOS burner pin
Closer Look
Our board arrives in a nicely designed box which certainly makes and impact. Inside the box, we get an interesting bundle which includes:
• 4x packs of SSD thermal pads
• Cables – 4x SATA, 1x fan ext. 1x 12V RGB
• SSD mounting screws
• 32GB USB 3.2 Drive (W/ Z890 Driver)
• Documentation – User guide, stickers
iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W is a full-size ATX motherboard. It adopts an all-white colour scheme, including the PCB, heatsinks, slots and connectors, accented by pink hip-hop-inspired graphics and branding elements. A multi-layered design adds visual depth, while a customisable ARGB nameplate provides additional personalisation options. Compared to the previous Z890 ULTRA, the ULTRA-S W also introduces upgraded cooling hardware and a cleaner overall aesthetic. Overall, we love the aesthetic that Colorful has implemented here.
Built around Intel’s LGA1851 socket and Z890 chipset, the iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W supports Intel Core Ultra 200S Series processors. Power delivery is handled by a substantial 20+1+1+1 phase VRM design utilizing 90A DrMOS power stages, while a redesigned heatsink assembly incorporates both a heat pipe and dedicated airflow channels to improve thermal performance. Memory support is equally impressive, with four DDR5 DIMM slots supporting up to 256GB of dual-channel memory and speeds reaching DDR5-9600+ via XMP overclocking profiles. The motherboard also offers a generous selection of fan and pump headers for high-end air and liquid cooling configurations. There are a total of 6 fan headers and 5 RGB headers (3x ARGB, 2x 12v RGB).
In the memory region we get additional diagnostic features such as LED debug and 4-stage LED POST identifier. Both tools are extremely useful when boot issues occur.
Storage expansion is one of the board’s strongest areas. The iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W provides five M.2 slots in total, consisting of one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot for the latest generation of NVMe SSDs and four additional PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots for high-capacity storage arrays. All of the SSD slots feature a respective heatsink – the PCIe 5.0 heatsink is by far the larger, being oversized and possibly introducing compatibility issues with CPU coolers. All heatsinks are removable without the need for a screwdriver.
Traditional storage support is covered by four SATA 6 Gb/s ports, allowing users to combine modern NVMe drives with larger SATA SSDs or hard drives.
Expansion duties are handled by three PCI Express slots. The primary graphics slot operates at PCIe 5.0 x16 speed directly from the CPU, while secondary expansion is provided by a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot operating electrically at x4 and a PCIe 4.0 x1 slot. Colorful has implemented a next-generation PCIe quick-release system for the primary graphics slot, making GPU removal significantly easier, particularly when large air coolers are installed.
Next to the PCI Express we have the audio, which is powered by the Realtec 1220 codec, which brings in a 7.1-channel high-definition audio solution. The isolated audio circuitry helps reduce electrical interference from the rest of the motherboard, while dedicated audio capacitors contribute to cleaner sound output for speakers and headphones.
The rear I/O panel is exceptionally well equipped for a modern flagship motherboard. Connectivity includes two USB4 Type-C ports capable of display output, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and four USB 2.0 ports. Video outputs are provided through both DisplayPort and HDMI for systems utilising integrated graphics. Networking consists of a Realtek 5GbE LAN controller paired with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support, delivering both high-speed wired and wireless connectivity options. This comprehensive I/O configuration places the iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W firmly in the premium motherboard category.
Test Setup & Methodology
Notes: We’ve revamped our benchmark regime by removing a number of tests which reveal little, to no difference between each motherboard model. Gaming performance is one such area which has been removed due to the inability for each motherboard to offer any advantage over another. Instead, we have focussed on meaningful/tangible analysis which examines the VRM/chipset design, and the storage performance which will be far more informative to the end user.
TEST SETUP
CPU Intel Core Ultra 9 285KCooling: Corsair iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGB
Memory: 32GB Kingston FURY Renegade 7600 MHz
Storage: Silicon Power A55 512GB + Silicon Power XPower XS70
PSU: Corsair HX1050 80 Plus Gold Certified PSU
Monitor: AOC U2879VF
BENCHMARKS
PCMark 10 – Overall Extended ScoreSiSoftware SANDRA – SATA/PCIe Storage Tests
SiSoftware SANDRA – Overall System Score
OTHER SOFTWARE
Temperature Analysis: HWMonitorStress Testing Software: AIDA64 Stability Test
CPU Specification Monitoring: CPU-Z
Benchmarks: Power Consumption
In this first test we analyse the power efficiency from the wall for each motherboard (Minus the GPU). While each model uses the same chipset/platform, energy results can fluctuate between manufacturers due to the features and specifications that are integrated. First of all, for the idle tests the system is cold booted into Windows and no additional applications are executed – wattage is noted on the external energy monitor we use and then we open Aida64 stability test and execute a stress test, noting the highest reading on the monitor. Below are the results of this energy test.
Benchmarks: VRM & PCH Cooling
Each motherboard manufacturer designs their board with a unique set of heatsinks to cover key areas like the VRM/mosfets and the chipset itself. We load up Aida64 stability test again and perform a 20 minute run, recording the maximum value for both attributes.
Benchmarks: PCMark 10
PCMark 10 features a comprehensive set of tests that cover the wide variety of tasks performed in the modern workplace. With a range of performance tests, custom run options, and the new Battery Life Profile, PCMark 10 is the complete PC benchmark for the modern office.
Benchmarks: SATA Performance
In order to ascertain the SATA performance for our motherboards we use SiSoftware SANDRA and the File System Bandwidth performance test. This allows us to obtain the sequential read/write transfer rates for the drive being tested – Crucial MX300 SSD.
Benchmarks: PCIe M.2 Performance
In order to ascertain the PCIe M.2 performance for our motherboards we use SiSoftware SANDRA and the File System Bandwidth performance test. This allows us to obtain the sequential read/write transfer rates for the drive being tested – Kingston KC2500.
Benchmarks: Geekbench
Geekbench 6 measures your processor’s single-core and multi-core power, for everything from checking your email to taking a picture to playing music, or all of it at once. Geekbench 6’s CPU benchmark measures performance in new application areas including Augmented Reality and Machine Learning, so you’ll know how close your system is to the cutting-edge.
Conclusion
The Colorful iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W succeeds in delivering exactly what its target audience is looking for: a premium Intel Z890 motherboard wrapped in a distinctive all-white aesthetic. While many manufacturers now offer white-themed motherboards, Colorful’s ULTRA-S W manages to stand apart thanks to its unique styling, layered heatsink design and restrained implementation of RGB lighting. Rather than overwhelming the build with illumination, the board focuses on clean presentation, making it an excellent foundation for modern white gaming or creator systems.
Beyond appearances, the motherboard offers a strong feature set that aligns well with its flagship positioning. Storage expansion is particularly impressive, with support for up to five M.2 SSDs, including a PCIe 5.0 slot for next-generation drives. Connectivity is equally competitive thanks to dual USB4 ports, integrated 5GbE networking, Wi-Fi 7 support and a generous selection of high-speed USB connectivity. The addition of quick-release mechanisms for both the primary PCIe slot and M.2 heatsinks is also a genuinely useful quality-of-life improvement that makes system building and future upgrades significantly easier.
Performance throughout testing proved to be solid and consistent, with strong storage results and effective VRM cooling helping the board comfortably support Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors. The upgraded VRM heatsink design appears to be more than just a cosmetic change, while the overall platform delivered the level of performance expected from a high-end Z890 motherboard. Combined with extensive memory support and robust power delivery, the ULTRA-S W provides a capable foundation for enthusiast-class systems.
There are, however, a few areas that raise a few eyebrows. At approximately $550 USD, the iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W occupies a highly competitive segment where buyers expect very few compromises. The presence of four rear USB 2.0 ports feels somewhat dated on a premium motherboard, particularly when many competing models offer a greater proportion of high-speed USB connectivity. Additionally, the sizeable Gen5 M.2 heatsink may create clearance concerns when paired with certain large air coolers, something prospective buyers should consider during component selection.
Ultimately, the Colorful iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W is a well-rounded enthusiast motherboard that successfully combines eye-catching design with modern features, strong performance and excellent storage flexibility. While its premium pricing and a handful of design quirks may limit its appeal to value-focused buyers, those seeking a high-end white motherboard with USB4 connectivity, 5GbE networking and extensive SSD support will find plenty to like here. For builders who prioritise aesthetics without sacrificing functionality, the ULTRA-S W is one of Colorful’s most compelling motherboard offerings to date.
PROS
+ Stunning all-white design
+ Features minimal RGB lighting
+ Includes twin USB 4 ports
+ 5GbE networking
+ Provides solid performance
+ Decent overall connectivity
+ Quick release for M.2 and PCIe
+ Offers up to 5 SSD slots
CONS
– Quite costly at $550 USD
– Has an entire stack of aging USB 2.0 ports
– Gen5 SSD heatsink is large and could present CPU cooler issues
+ Stunning all-white design
+ Features minimal RGB lighting
+ Includes twin USB 4 ports
+ 5GbE networking
+ Provides solid performance
+ Decent overall connectivity
+ Quick release for M.2 and PCIe
+ Offers up to 5 SSD slots
CONS
– Quite costly at $550 USD
– Has an entire stack of aging USB 2.0 ports
– Gen5 SSD heatsink is large and could present CPU cooler issues
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