EK-Momentum ROG Strix Z390-I Monoblock for the mini-ITX ROG Motherboard
EK is releasing an Intel LGA1151 socket based monoblock belonging to the Quantum Line. The EK-Momentum Strix Z390-I is tailor-made for the ROG Strix Z390-I motherboard. The mini-ITX form factor often suffers worse airflow due to less space, and having less space on the motherboard means less VRM components can be built into it.
Having liquid cooling over the VRM area in mini-ITX enclosures is extremely beneficial for the motherboard lifespan and ability to get high overclocks. The addressable, digital RGB LED in the monoblock is compatible with ASUS AURA RGB control, thus offering a full lighting customization experience for every single diode at any given time.
Designed and engineered in cooperation with ASUS®, this monoblock uses the latest generation of EK cooling engine used on the Quantum lineup to ensure the best possible CPU cooling while not reducing flow to other components. This water block directly cools the LGA1151 socket type CPU, as well as the voltage regulation (MOSFET) module. Liquid flows directly over all critical areas, providing the enthusiasts with a great solution for high and stable overclocks. Like with every EK monoblock, EK-Momentum ROG Strix Z390-I D-RGB features high flow design and it can be easily used with the system using a weaker water pump or lower pump speed settings as well. The Momentum monoblock also comes with sophisticated D-RGB (addressable) lightning which connects to a standard 3-pin 5V D-RGB header. This Z390 monoblock also comes with a special cold plate which ensures that the monoblock has better mechanical contact with the IHS of 8th and 9th gen Intel 1151 socket based processors by avoiding raised corners. Result is better thermal transfer. The base of the monoblock is made of nickel-plated electrolytic copper while the top is made of quality acrylic glass material. The nickel plated brass screw-in standoffs are pre-installed and allow for easy installation.
A Digital (addressable) 3-pin 5V D-RGB LED strip is installed in the monoblock that connects to the motherboard’s 3-pin LED header or it can be connected to any other supported 5V 3-pin LED controller. This product is compatible with ASUS Aura RGB control software. The arrow marking on the 3-pin LED connector is to be aligned with the +5V marking on the RGB header.
The block costs € 141.90
Senior Member
Posts: 5631
Joined: 2012-11-10
Again, why not just use a hub? Those 12 ports you had were all connected through internal hubs. I bet you only had 3 total host controllers for those rear ports, maybe 4 if some were split for front ports.
I've seen computers with 12 ports that actually only had 2 host controllers.
Senior Member
Posts: 5631
Joined: 2012-11-10
There's 7 ports on the back and another 5 (maybe 6? not totally clear) internal connectors, one of which is a type C port. How many more could you possibly need on an ITX build?
Besides, as long as each host controller is directly accessible to the user, the number of USB ports is somewhat irrelevant. Boards that come with more ports are either using integrated hubs or are otherwise taking up PCIe lanes. Sure, using an external hub isn't exactly preferable, but it's not like you're getting 100% of the bandwidth out of every single port a computer offers you anyway.