ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero WiFi ATX DDR5
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a high-performance ATX gaming motherboard designed for Intel's 12th and 13th Gen processors, featuring a LGA 1700 socket. It supports up to 192GB of DDR5 memory with speeds exceeding 7800MHz, along with advanced connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Popularity: Low
Specifications:
Model: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero WiFi ATX DDR5
Chipset: Intel® Z790 Chipset
Form Factor: ATX Form Factor, 12 inch x 9.6 inch (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
CPU Compatibility: Intel® Socket LGA1700 for Intel® Core™ 14th & 13th Gen Processors, Intel® Core™ 12th Gen, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® Processors
Memory Support: 4 x DIMM, Max. 192GB, DDR5 7800+(OC)/7600(OC)/7400(OC)/7200(OC)/7000(OC)/6800(OC)/6600(OC)/6400(OC)/6200(OC)/6000(OC)/5800(OC)/5600/5400/5200/5000/4800MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Maximum Memory Capacity: 192GB
Memory Speed: DDR5 7800+(OC)/7600(OC)/7400(OC)/7200(OC)/7000(OC)/6800(OC)/6600(OC)/6400(OC)/6200(OC)/6000(OC)/5800(OC)/5600/5400/5200/5000/4800MHz
Memory Features: Dual Channel Memory Architecture, Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
RAM Slots: 4.0
Graphics Output: 1 x HDMI™ port, 2 x Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4 ports (USB Type-C®)
Expansion Slots: 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots (support x16 or x8/x8 modes), 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (supports x4, x4/x4 modes)
Storage Options: Total supports 5 x M.2 slots and 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
Ethernet: 1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet, ASUS LANGuard
Wireless Bluetooth: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth® v5.3
USB Ports (Rear): Total 12 ports: 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 ports (2 x USB Type-C®), 6 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (5 x Type-A + 1 x USB Type-C®), 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (4 x Type-A)
USB Ports (Front): Total 9 ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connector, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers, 2 x USB 2.0 headers
Audio: ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4082
Back Panel I/O Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 USB Type-C® ports, 6 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 1 x HDMI® port, 1 x Wi-Fi Module, 1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet port, 5 x Gold-plated audio jacks, 1 x Optical S/PDIF out port, 1 x BIOS FlashBack™ button, 1 x Clear CMOS button
Internal I/O Connectors: 1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header, 1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan header, 1 x 4-pin AIO Pump header, 4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan headers, etc.
Cooling Headers: 1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header, 1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan header, 1 x 4-pin AIO Pump header, 4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan headers
Power Connectors: 1 x 24-pin Main Power connector, 2 x 8-pin +12V Power connector, 1 x 6-pin PCIe Power connector
BIOS: 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS
Manufacturer Page: Link
Review
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a top-tier motherboard aimed at gamers and tech enthusiasts looking to build a powerful PC system. Compatible with Intel's 13th and 12th generation processors, this motherboard promises robust performance and extensive connectivity options. Its design and features cater to overclockers and gamers alike, providing a platform that supports the latest technology in the field.
Design and Features
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is constructed in an ATX form factor, with dimensions of 305x244mm. This motherboard boasts a sleek aesthetic with its aluminum plate and polished finishes, ensuring both heat dissipation and added rigidity. Notably, it includes a nano-carbon coating on the rear for enhanced thermal performance, which is crucial for high-intensity operations (EinfoldTech).
In terms of connectivity, the motherboard comes equipped with dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, a plethora of USB options, and native support for WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The rear I/O panel is efficiently laid out, featuring Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports and HDMI, among others, for a complete multimedia experience. Its Ethernet supports up to 2.5Gbps, ensuring fast and reliable internet connections (TweakReviews).
Performance and Overclocking
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero houses a 20+1 power stage design, offering superior power delivery for stable overclocking. The dual ProCool II connectors and robust VRM heatsinks ensure the system runs efficiently under pressure. The motherboard's compatibility with DDR5 memory is another significant highlight, supporting speeds up to 7800MHz, which is excellent for high-performance applications and gaming (ASUS Official).
For those interested in squeezing every ounce of performance, AI Overclocking and AI Cooling II provide automated system tuning and attribute its success to the advanced cooling and power infrastructure embedded within (EinfoldTech). It balances thermal performance with system stability, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned overclockers and newcomers.
Storage and Expansion
The board supports a massive array of storage options, with five M.2 slots and six SATA ports, providing ample room for expansion. The inclusion of PCIe 5.0 in the primary slots ensures future-proofing, accommodating forthcoming high-speed SSDs and graphics interfaces. Additionally, the board's ingenious design includes Q-Release, a simplified mechanism for detaching PCIe cards, further cementing its user-friendly credentials (EinfoldTech).
Audio and Other Features
The audio subsystem, powered by the ROG SupremeFX codec, promises immersive sound experiences with up to 32-bit/384kHz high-definition audio. Complementing the sound experience, the design makes use of Nichicon capacitors, providing audiophile-grade output, a testament to ASUS's focus on high-quality peripherals (ASUS Official).
One of the distinguishing features of the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is its inclusion of a comprehensive DIY design, incorporating a pre-mounted I/O shield and easy-access latch mechanisms. This innovation significantly eases installation processes and provides greater convenience for users at all levels of expertise (ASUS Official).
Conclusion
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero stands as a titan in the motherboard market, offering an extensive feature set that justifies its premium price tag. Its high-performance capabilities, combined with intelligent design elements, make it a top pick for those looking to build a cutting-edge gaming or production workstation (TweakReviews). While not the cheapest option available, the Z790 Hero is positioned as a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts seeking quality and reliability in their hardware.