Intel introduced its Core Ultra 200S desktop processors, codenamed Arrow Lake-S, in October 2024 alongside the new Z890 chipset. The launch marked the beginning of updated platforms for high-performance desktops, with motherboard makers rolling out their supporting products. MAXSUN was quick to expand its portfolio, unveiling twelve Z890 models across its iCraft, Terminator, eSport, and Challenger lines, targeting different price ranges and usage scenarios.
MAXSUN has built a reputation for delivering a balance of performance and value, particularly with a strong focus on the MATX form factor. While MATX motherboards have remained popular among mainstream users for their compact footprint, the growing demand for systems with greater expansion and AI-oriented workloads has increased the need for ATX boards. In response, MAXSUN broadened its Z890 lineup with more ATX offerings to meet these requirements.
The iCraft Z890 range currently consists of three boards—ARCTIC, PACIFIC, and VERTEX—each designed with a slightly different audience in mind. The ARCTIC model brings a 3.4-inch onboard display, a feature still relatively uncommon on motherboards outside the premium segment. This display can be used for real-time system monitoring or visual customization, while the choice of black or white color options gives system builders more flexibility when planning their setups.
The ARCTIC joins MAXSUN’s wider Z890 family with an emphasis on modern connectivity, updated aesthetics, and additional system-level features at a price positioned below many competing models with similar functions. In this hands-on review, we will examine the MAXSUN iCraft Z890 ARCTIC in detail, covering its design, layout, and performance to determine how well it fits into the broader Arrow Lake ecosystem.
Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | MS-iCraft Z890 Arctic |
| Form Factor | ATX (305 × 245 mm) |
| CPU Socket | Intel® LGA1851 socket, compatible with Intel® Core™ Ultra processors |
| Chipset | Intel® Z890 Chipset |
| Memory | 4 × DIMM DDR5 slots, up to 256GB Dual-channel support XMP Support: 4800 / 5600 / 6400 / 7600(OC) / 8000(OC) / 8200(OC) / 8400(OC) / 8600(OC) / 8800(OC) MHz |
| Display Outputs | 1 × HDMI™ 2.1 (up to 4K @ 120Hz) 1 × DP 1.4 (up to 8K @ 120Hz) |
| Expansion Slots | 1 × PCIe 5.0 x16 (configurable as x8/x8, x8/x4, x4/x4) 1 × PCIe x16 (physical x16, supports PCIe 5.0 x8 or PCIe 4.0 x4) 2 × PCIe x16 (supporting PCIe 4.0 x4) |
| Audio | Integrated Realtek ALC1220 |
| Networking | Realtek RTL8126 LAN Intel® BE200 Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Storage | 1 × M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4/x2 (2242/2280/2280K) 3 × M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 (2242/2280/22110) 4 × SATA 6Gb/s ports |
| USB (Front Panel) | 1 × USB 20G Type-C® header 1 × USB 5G 19-pin header (3 × USB 5G ports, USB 3.2 Gen 1) 1 × USB 2.0 9-pin header (2 × USB 2.0 ports) |
| USB (Rear Panel) | 2 × USB 40G Type-C® (one with 15W charging) 9 × USB 10G Type-A |
| Power Connectors | 1 × 24-pin ATX 2 × 8-pin +12V |
| RGB & Headers | 2 × 3-Pin ARGB 1 × 4-Pin NRBG 1 × COM Port Header 1 × CLR_CMOS Reset Button |
| Cooling & Fan Headers | 1 × 4-Pin CPU Fan 1 × 4-Pin Pump Header (DC/PWM) 4 × 4-Pin System Fan Headers |
Unboxing
The Maxsun iCraft Z890 Arctic comes in a box designed to match its theme, using a mix of blue and white tones with a crystalline graphic across the front. The model name is printed in large metallic lettering, with the Maxsun logo placed at the bottom left corner next to Intel Core Ultra and Z890 chipset badges, showing compatibility with Arrow Lake processors. On the back, the packaging lists the key specifications and features of the board, including a 20+1+1 SPS power delivery design, a 3.4-inch full-color LCD screen, dual USB 4.0 ports, and PCIe 5.0 support. This gives buyers a clear overview of what the motherboard offers before opening the box.
Inside the package, the motherboard is secured in a foam holder, with a secondary box placed underneath that stores the included accessories. Inside, users will find 4x SATA data cables for storage drives, a Wi-Fi 7 antenna, and a 4-in-1 screwdriver set. The package also includes an Aijia-branded sticker set, a large plastic or acrylic sheet, M.2 screws, standoffs, and motherboard mounting screws, along with the standard product paper. This set of accessories provides the essentials for system installation and some added extras for convenience.
Design
The Maxsun iCraft Z890 Arctic is an ATX motherboard measuring 245 x 305 mm, built around a white PCB with ice-crystal patterns that create a polar-inspired theme. The design combines silver, black, and titanium finishes across its heatsinks, which not only add contrast but also provide reliable thermal coverage for the VRM and chipset. The labels “iCraft” and “Arctic” are placed near the bottom edge, keeping the rest of the board clear for easy installation of components. In hands-on use, the board gives a solid impression, well put together, offering a mix of style and function while supporting Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors.
The iCraft Z890 Arctic uses Intel’s LGA 1851 socket, which is ready for Core Ultra 200S “Arrow Lake” processors. At launch, support is limited to Arrow Lake, though future Ultra Series CPUs are expected.
The board provides four DDR5 DIMM slots with a single-sided latch mechanism that simplifies installation and removal, especially in compact cases. Each slot supports up to 48 GB, giving a maximum memory capacity of 192 GB. With frequencies reaching 8800+ MHz (OC) and Intel XMP 3.0 support, the platform allows flexible memory configurations. The white color scheme reflects the Arctic theme while keeping the layout functional for builders.
The motherboard comes with a magnesium-aluminum alloy VRM heatsink, which provides a larger surface area and improved heat dissipation compared to conventional designs. This helps keep power delivery stable during heavy CPU workloads. A 3.4-inch LED display is integrated into the I/O heatsink, showing real-time system information and allowing customization of power-on and off screens.
The iCraft Z890 Arctic is designed with a 16+1+1 phase VRM setup that delivers stable power to Intel’s latest processors. Each phase uses Vishay SIC654 integrated MOSFETs rated for 50A, managed by a Renesas RAA 229130 PWM controller. The VCore phases utilize R2209004 HBD 110A stages, while the capacitors are rated 20K “270C E31” for long-term durability. This combination ensures efficient power handling and reliable performance, whether the system is used for gaming, content creation, or everyday productivity.
Sixteen phases are dedicated to the CPU core, while one powers the SoC and another the auxiliary rail. Around the LGA 1851 socket, there are 19 visible chokes, giving an impression of a larger phase count, but the confirmed design is 16+1+1. The board uses doublers and a mirrored layout to improve current distribution and reduce localized heating. This method provides stable operation under sustained workloads and helps maintain consistent performance when the processor is pushed with heavy gaming or overclocking.
The power delivery system is supported by an 8-layer server-grade PCB with 2oz thickened copper, helping retain signal integrity for both CPU and memory. Cooling is handled by a composite heatsink solution that covers the VRMs, chipset, and M.2 slots. Thermal pads placed beneath the heatsinks aid in transferring heat efficiently, keeping temperatures under control during extended sessions. Together, these elements make the Z890 Arctic a capable platform for high-performance Intel CPUs, offering reliable thermal management and a solid foundation for long-term use.
The back of the display PCB features a NUVOTON N9H26K63N screen control chip and a Winbond 25Q256JVEQ flash memory chip with 256MB capacity, which is used for storing content files. Also located here is ENE’s 6K7743UA0 display control chip, linked to the screen module through a cable. These components work together to handle storage, control functions, and communication between the board and the display.
iCraft Z890 Arctic provides multiple M.2 slots, each fitted with an Arctic Cooling heatsink and thermal pads to manage drive temperatures effectively.
The layout includes 1x PCIe 5.0 x4/x2 slot supporting 2242, 2280, and 2280K drives, along with 3x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 slots that support 2242, 2280, and 22110 lengths. This setup gives users the option to install the latest PCIe 5.0 SSDs for maximum speed while still offering broad compatibility with PCIe 4.0 storage. The inclusion of large heatsinks across all slots helps reduce the risk of thermal throttling during demanding workloads.
The MS-iCraft Z890 ARCTIC comes with four full-length PCIe slots, each covered with metal for added durability. The top PCIe 5.0 x16 slot offers flexible lane allocation, running at x16 or splitting into x8+x8 or x8+x4+x4 depending on the installed devices.
Just below it, a PCIe 5.0 x8 slot can function in x8 or dual x4 mode. Further down, two PCIe 4.0 x4 slots are arranged with a slot gap in between to allow better airflow and easier installation of larger cards.
The main graphics slot also features the “E-touch” release, which makes it simpler to detach GPUs in compact builds. The layout combines high-speed graphics support with room for storage controllers and other expansion cards.
The Z890 Arctic offers a practical mix of storage options suited for different build preferences. It comes with four SATA 6Gb/s ports, two arranged as side-entry connectors on the right edge for easier routing, and two positioned along the bottom of the board.
Alongside these, MAXSUN adds an SFF-8654 4i port next to the side-entry connectors, a feature not often seen on mainstream motherboards. This port can be used for PCIe 4.0 x4/x2, four SATA 6Gb/s drives, or U.2 storage, giving builders more choices when planning their setup. With this layout, the Z890 Arctic takes advantage of the chipset’s flexibility to support both conventional drives and faster storage solutions.
MS-iCraft Z890 Arctic places quick startup and restart buttons at the top of the board, giving users easier control during setup or testing. It also integrates a Debug digital detection screen that displays error codes, helping with fault detection during installation or system tuning. On the audio side, the board uses the Realtek ALC1220 codec up to 130db SRN, which supports 7.1-channel surround sound. This chip is widely used in higher-end motherboards and delivers clear output for games, movies, and music, while ensuring broad compatibility with various headsets and speaker systems.
A 20Gbps Type-C and a 5Gbps Type-A header are placed near the memory slots, making front-panel connections easier to manage. At the bottom, a USB 2.0 header is available for case I/O modules or additional controllers. For lighting, the board includes two 5V ARGB headers and one RGB header, giving users the option to sync and control compatible components. There is also a dedicated light mode button at the bottom, which provides quick access to lighting adjustments without needing software. This layout delivers reliable connectivity and customization options while keeping the design efficient.
MS-iCraft Z890 Arctic comes with a pre-installed white I/O shield and a wide range of connectivity options. On the rear panel, there are 11 USB ports in total, including nine USB 10Gbps Type-A ports and two USB4 Type-C ports capable of speeds up to 40Gbps. The USB4 interface also supports Thunderbolt 4 functionality and offers up to 15W power delivery for connected devices.
Display connectivity is handled through a DisplayPort 1.4 output, which supports resolutions up to 8K at 120Hz, and an HDMI 2.1 port that supports 4K at 120Hz. For audio, the board provides five 3.5mm jacks along with an S/PDIF optical output. In addition, there are two dedicated buttons for quick BIOS reset and update, making system management more convenient. This I/O configuration offers flexibility for gaming, productivity, and multimedia setups.
Networking features include a 5G Ethernet port and Wi-Fi 7 (BE200) module with a 320MHz channel bandwidth and Bluetooth 5.4 integration.
The motherboard comes with a 24-pin ATX connector for the main power supply and two 8-pin EPS connectors dedicated to the CPU. This configuration can deliver up to 300 watts to the processor, which is well-suited for Intel’s Arrow Lake “Core Ultra 200S” series. With these CPUs capable of drawing around 250W under heavy workloads, the extra power headroom ensures reliable performance and stability, even when pushing the system harder.
The Z890 PCH is covered by a large heatsink designed to maintain stable operating temperatures. Maxsun has added an iCraft accent plate with a reflective surface, giving the board a polished look. The plate also carries the iCraft and Maxsun logos, providing a balanced mix of branding and design while keeping the layout consistent.
The Maxsun iCraft Z890 Arctic uses a full metal backplate with a white finish that matches the overall Arctic theme. It not only protects the PCB but also adds rigidity, which helps prevent flexing during installation or when using heavier cooling solutions. A full-size heatsink is integrated into the backplate, an uncommon feature in this price segment, improving cooling and structural strength.
The aluminum plate includes etched patterns along with the Maxsun/iCraft logo, and the slogan “Evolution Knows No Limits,” giving the board a clean and consistent appearance. Around the LGA1851 socket, a reinforcement plate helps distribute pressure evenly, ensuring reliable support for demanding CPU coolers while also reducing stress on the board over time.
Performance Test
BIOS
Maxsun has redesigned its BIOS interface with a cleaner layout that makes navigation more efficient. The main screen is divided into two panels: key function options are listed on the left, while the right side contains seven modules, including performance controls, fan settings, boot priority, and hardware monitoring. This structured approach helps users quickly locate the settings they need.
Performance tuning is a core part of the BIOS, with a dedicated “Performance Mode” option. To unlock the full potential of the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, users should select either “Maxsun Recommended” or “Extreme Performance,” as Intel’s defaults limit maximum performance.
The overclocking menu is arranged into CPU, memory, and power supply sections. Each area allows for precise adjustments to frequency, voltage, and limits, while memory tuning includes a full set of timing controls on a single page.
Cooling adjustments are also well-covered. The motherboard provides two CPU fan headers, a pump header, and three chassis fan headers. Each header can be independently tuned with temperature curves tied to CPU, MOS, motherboard, or chassis sensors. A fan stop function is also available, letting users set the fan speed to 0% for silent operation when the system is idle or under light load.
The advanced settings cover chipset, PCIe, USB, and TPM configuration. Resizable BAR is disabled by default and must be enabled manually, while PCIe lane allocation allows direct CPU connectivity for devices that need it. USB ports can be toggled on or off individually, giving more control over system security and resource management. A dedicated tool page provides options for BIOS backup and updates, ensuring system firmware can be maintained without complications.
MAXSUN Sync ARGB Software
Maxsun provides its own ARGB utility for Windows, called Maxsun Sync, which is dedicated to handling lighting effects on supported hardware. The software comes with several preset modes and some basic customization options, giving users the ability to coordinate lighting across components. It works reliably for its intended purpose of controlling RGB, but its functionality is limited compared to the utilities offered by other motherboard manufacturers.
Unlike competing solutions that often combine lighting with tools for overclocking, hardware monitoring, and fan control, Maxsun Sync only covers RGB adjustments. This leaves users without built-in options to fine-tune performance or cooling profiles through the same software. While the program is light and easy to use, its narrow scope makes it less appealing for users who prefer having all system controls in one place. For basic lighting management, it does the job, but advanced users may need to rely on BIOS settings or third-party applications for deeper customization.
Screen Use and Experience
The MS-iCraft Z890 Arctic includes a 3.4-inch full-color LCD screen positioned above the I/O cover, taking up a noticeable amount of space. This display isn’t just decorative—it shows real-time hardware information such as CPU temperature, usage, and system status. To make full use of it, Maxsun provides its own software, Maxsun View, which handles both system monitoring and customization.
Within the software, users can choose from five preset themes. Each theme provides a slightly different layout, and once selected, the data syncs directly to the motherboard screen. Beyond presets, there’s room for adjustment—backgrounds, text style, and the type of information displayed can all be tailored. The menus are clear enough that adjusting these settings doesn’t take much effort.
The screen also supports custom content. Images and short video clips in MP4, JPG, and PNG formats can be imported and shown directly on the panel. However, the 416 × 960 resolution with its 13:30 aspect ratio can make scaling tricky. Files that don’t match will be stretched, which can distort visuals. Since there’s no built-in cropping, users need to prepare their media beforehand and keep it under the 10 MB file limit.
Additional options are found in the extended settings menu. These include the ability to set startup and standby animations, or to link certain effects with the motherboard’s RGB lighting. Custom themes also allow for small details like a logo or dot matrix display to move in sync with the lighting, adding another layer of visual integration to a build. It’s a design we’ve seen in some competing models, but Maxsun’s execution feels refined enough for everyday use.
Maxsun also thought about convenience. A backup and restore feature lets users save their imported files and settings, making it easy to return to a preferred setup after reinstalling Windows or making system changes. In daily use, the LCD isn’t just a decorative extra—it doubles as a practical way to keep an eye on system performance while also letting users add a personal touch to their build.
Performance & Benchmark Testing
For evaluating the Maxsun iCraft Z890 Arctic, the test system was configured with Intel’s Core Ultra 7 265K processor, 48 GB of DDR5-7600 memory, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Founders Edition, and a Teamgroup T-Force GC Pro Gen5 SSD. Cooling was managed by a TRYX Panorama SE 360 mm liquid cooler inside a JONSBO BO400 case, powered by a 1050 W PSU. This configuration ensured that the motherboard’s performance could be tested without limitations from surrounding hardware.
CPU Benchmarks
In synthetic benchmarks, the Core Ultra 7 265K performed in line with expectations for Intel’s Arrow Lake-S platform. Cinebench R23 reported 2,046 points in single-core and 27,656 points in multi-core, while CPU-Z measured 859.6 single-thread and 15,479.9 multi-thread. Cinebench 2024 returned 1,308 points in multi-core workloads.
| Benchmark | Single-Core | Multi-Core | GPU Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench R20 | – | 11,296 pts | – |
| Cinebench R23 | 2,046 pts | 27,656 pts | – |
| Cinebench 2024 | 120 pts | 1,308 pts | 24,877 pts |
| CPU-Z | 859.6 | 15,479.9 | – |
These results highlight the effectiveness of the board’s 16+1+1 phase power delivery, which maintained stable performance under sustained workloads. No throttling was observed during long rendering sessions, confirming efficient thermal and electrical regulation.
Memory Performance
The TEAMGROUP T-FORCE XTREEM DDR5-7600 kit provided high bandwidth and improved latency, particularly at higher frequencies. When pushed to 8000 MHz through manual overclocking, the kit delivered notable gains in memory copy speeds and reduced latency, which benefits data-intensive workloads.
| Frequency | Read Speed | Write Speed | Copy Speed | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5600 MHz | 78,540 MB/s | 71,350 MB/s | 71,704 MB/s | 122.3 ns |
| 7600 MHz | 101.43 GB/s | 91,556 MB/s | 94,668 MB/s | 102.7 ns |
| 8000 MHz (Manual OC) | 104.56 GB/s | 92,840 MB/s | 97,527 MB/s | 102.0 ns |
The iCraft Z890 Arctic handled high-frequency DDR5 memory reliably. Using TEAMGROUP’s T-FORCE XTREEM DDR5-7600 kit, memory bandwidth reached 101.4 GB/s read, 91.5 GB/s write, and 94.6 GB/s copy at XMP settings, with 102.7 ns latency. When overclocked to 8000 MHz, bandwidth increased further to 104.5 GB/s read and 97.5 GB/s copy, with latency reduced to 102.0 ns.
The results confirm the board’s ability to support advanced DDR5 profiles, offering clear gains in throughput for workloads sensitive to memory bandwidth.
Thermal Performance
Thermal behavior was evaluated using Cinebench workloads. The TRYX Panorama SE 360 mm AIO maintained CPU temperatures under control, preventing thermal throttling even during extended multi-core loads.
| Test Condition | CPU Temp | GPU Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Core Load | 68 °C | – |
| Multi-Core Load | 80 °C | – |
| GPU Load (Cinebench 2024) | – | 65 °C |
Thermal testing under Cinebench multi-core load showed the CPU stabilizing at 80 °C, while single-core workloads peaked at 68 °C. The VRM cooling solution kept power stages within safe limits, with no sign of instability or throttling. The heatsink design proved effective at managing thermal output even during extended testing.
CPU Power Consumption
Power draw was measured across idle, single-core, and multi-core scenarios. Power draw remained consistent with Intel’s specifications. The Core Ultra 7 265K consumed ~78 W in single-core, ~239 W in multi-core, and peaked at ~248 W in AVX workloads.
| Workload | Power Draw |
|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 Single | ~78 W |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | ~239 W |
| AVX Stress Test (Peak) | ~248 W |
The dual 8-pin EPS connectors supplied adequate power headroom, allowing the processor to operate at maximum boost frequencies without restriction.
Gaming Performance
With an RTX 4090 at 4K Ultra settings, the iCraft Z890 Arctic ensured that the CPU was not a limiting factor. Gaming performance was tested at 4K Ultra settings with the RTX 4090, using ray tracing and DLSS where applicable. The Core Ultra 7 265K maintained consistent frame delivery, ensuring that the graphics card could operate without CPU bottlenecks. Average frame rates were as follows:
| Game Title | Settings | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 4K Ultra, RT + DLSS (Quality) | 70 FPS |
| God of War Ragnarök | 4K Ultra | 105 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 4K Ultra | 90 FPS |
| Stellar Blade | 4K Ultra | 60 FPS |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 4K Ultra, RT | 180 FPS |
Performance across titles demonstrates that the processor has no difficulty keeping pace with the RTX 4090 at 4K. Demanding games such as Cyberpunk 2077 remained playable with ray tracing enabled, while less CPU-heavy titles reached significantly higher frame rates. Performance remained consistent across different workloads, with demanding titles running smoothly and less CPU-intensive games achieving much higher frame rates.
The Maxsun iCraft Z890 Arctic demonstrates reliable CPU scaling, strong memory overclocking support, and effective thermal control. Power delivery remained stable under sustained loads, and gaming benchmarks confirmed compatibility with high-end GPUs at 4K resolution. Taken together, the results show that the Z890 Arctic provides a capable platform for Intel’s Core Ultra 200S processors in both productivity and gaming environments
