ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced four new Intel® Z790 motherboards: the ROG Maximus Z790 Formula, ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore, ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi II and ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi II. These motherboards join the three Z790 models previously announced at Gamescom: the ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero, the ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi II and the TUF Gaming Z790-Pro WiFi. All seven motherboards support 14th, 13th and 12th generation Intel® Core™ processors. Each motherboard includes PCIe® 5.0, DDR5 memory support, enhanced connectivity, performance optimization capabilities, efficient cooling solutions, intuitive features for hobbyists and many other benefits
Intel LGA 1700 CPU socket
12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors fit into the LGA 1700 socket, allowing users to opt for Z690 or Z790 motherboards and choose from a wide selection of processors. The days of the LGA 1700 are not over. This socket will also be compatible with 14th-generation Intel Core processors. This means users will have plenty of options when considering a new configuration or upgrade. They can update their motherboard to take advantage of the high-performance networking, extended connectivity and optimized power solutions of the latest ASUS Z790 motherboards, or they can keep their tried-and-tested Z690 or Z790 motherboard while upgrading to a 14th-generation Intel processor. They just need to make sure they update their old motherboard’s BIOS for full compatibility with the new Intel processors
Next-level bandwidth: WiFi 7
Featuring Intel Wi-Fi 7 technology, these four new ROG Z790 motherboards enable users to exploit the full potential of the latest wireless standard when paired with a WiFi 7 router
To help users make the most of their WiFi 7 connection, ASUS introduces the ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna. Featuring an all-new hardware design including both PCB optimizations and new, improved internal pin connectors, it dramatically improves signal throughput for both the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands. Its simple, one-step design means that users have nothing to do but plug it in for an excellent experience. As a directional antenna, ASUS also provides users with handy tools in the Armoury Crate application to improve signal quality and range by adjusting its position. Direction Finder detects signal strength and identifies the ideal positioning of this antenna in just a few steps, while Fast Check offers users a quick way to check signal strength and ensure they’re getting the best connection
DIMM Flex optimizes memory performance and stability
The latest Z790 motherboards from ROG Maximus and ROG Strix take memory optimization a step further with DIMM Flex. Like the CPU and GPU, DDR5 memory modules generate heat when they’re stressed, especially when overclocked. As with these other components, users risk not getting the full performance out of their DDR5 RAM modules if they don’t manage heat efficiently
DIMM Flex dynamically adjusts the memory controller’s behavior according to the current memory temperature to optimize performance while guaranteeing stability. It uses real-time temperature data from a thermal sensor integrated close to the memory slots to make frequency adjustments
DIMM Flex can have a major impact on memory-sensitive applications. In Metro Exodus, ASUS found that DIMM Flex increased average FPS by 16% compared with basic XMP settings. It’s also very easy to configure – click here to find out more about how to launch DIMM Flex
Easy memory optimization with AEMP II
For a while, PC builders have been wondering whether they’d prefer affordable DDR4 memory or high-performance DDR5 memory for their systems. Now that the DDR5 market has matured and a wide range of memory kits are available at increasingly attractive prices, it’s hard to ignore the performance potential of this next-generation memory. Content creators, gamers and engineers who work with big data and heavy multitasking all benefit from a large number of cores and exceptional multithreaded performance: DDR5 is therefore better suited to 14th-generation Intel Core processors than DDR4
To enable users to adapt their memory kit with ease, all ASUS Z790 motherboards supporting DDR5 offer access to AEMP II profiles. Developed using a flexible learning method, these profiles enable users to easily adjust their memory beyond basic settings, while maintaining stable system operation. With AEMP II, memory settings can be optimized at the click of a button, whether to get the most out of an entry-level module or to prime a high-speed kit for optimum performance
AEMP II now offers even greater flexibility. Thanks to the latest firmware update, AEMP II enables users to optimize the performance of a four-DIMM DDR5 RAM configuration, even when mixing different brands and dies. It has never been easier to increase the memory capacity of a system by adding additional DIMM modules. Thanks to AEMP II, users can achieve optimized memory performance even if the four memory modules don’t exactly match
Intuitive DIY functions make PC assembly easier than ever
With each new generation of PC components, ASUS strives to make the assembly process easier. The exclusive ASUS Q-Design innovations of the Z790 series simplify and streamline the PC assembly and upgrade process
Today’s state-of-the-art graphics cards often feature robust cooling solutions and solid backplates. This is great for performance, but can make it difficult to unlock the PCIe® connector. The ASUS PCIe Slot Q-Release button allows users to release their graphics card from the slot with a simple press. ASUS first launched this practical feature on its high-end Z690 motherboards, and is proud to offer it on its consumer TUF Gaming boards too
Similarly, traditional DIMM slots require users to lock both sides of the memory strip, and it wasn’t always easy for those with large fingers to unlock the latch closest to the graphics card. That’s why ASUS has also implemented its one-sided Q-DIMM locking system on many of its Z790 motherboards. Thanks to this arrangement, users won’t have to worry about a latch that might be too close to their graphics card. A simple latch on the most easily accessible side of the DIMM slot is enough to hold a memory module firmly in place. Now, installing a module – and upgrading it later – is much easier
The latest ASUS Z790 motherboards even help users who are unable to install a memory module correctly. The Q-LED indicator lights up – even before start-up – to alert the user if a memory module is not correctly installed
ASUS has also simplified the process of installing an M.2 disk. The ASUS M.2 Q-Latch gives users peace of mind: they’ll never have to handle another tiny, easily lost M.2 screw again. Now users can fasten or unfasten an M.2 drive with their fingertips. Users will find the M.2 Q-Latch on all ROG Maximus, ROG Strix and TUF Gaming Z790 motherboards
Water-cooled excellence: the ROG Maximus Z790 Formula
Users planning to install a custom liquid cooling loop or assembling a series of white components for their next PC should take a look at the ROG Maximus Z790 Formula. The immaculate white surfaces of its heatsinks and integrated I/O cover give it an original look, accentuated by the customizable 2″ OLED display integrated into the heatsink of the central M.2 slot. The new all-copper VRM HybridChill block offers outstanding passive cooling, and is easy to connect to a custom loop for even more cooling power
As a ROG Maximus motherboard, the ROG Maximus Z790 Formula offers an impressive feature set. Users will find two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a slew of high-speed USB ports on the rear panel. WiFi 7 and a 5 Gb Ethernet port offer users a reliable, high-bandwidth network. What’s more, the ROG SupremeFX audio solution delivers impeccable sound for gaming
ROG MAXIMUS Z790 Formula
ATX format
Memory 4 x DIMM, Max. 192 GB, DDR5
PCIe 2 x PCIe® 5.0 x16 (@x16 or @x8/x8)
1 x PCIe 4.0 x4
Storage 1 x M.2 22110 (PCIe 5.0 x4)
4 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4)
Intel® Wi-Fi 7 network
1 x Realtek 5Gb Ethernet
Audio Surround sound ROG SupremeFX 7.1 CODEC high-definition audio ALC4082
Rear I/O 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 ports (2 x USB Type-C®)
6 x USB 10 Gb/s ports (5 x Type-A 1 x USB Type-C)
4 x USB 5 Gb/s ports (4 x Type-A)
Front I/O 1 x USB 20 Gb/s connector (USB Type-C compatible with up to 60W PD/QC4 )
2 x USB 5 Gb/s connectors (compatible with 4 x USB 5 Gb/s ports)
2 x USB 2.0 connectors (compatible with 4 USB 2.0 ports)
Aura 3 x gen 2 addressable connectors
1 x Aura RGB connector
Cooling 1 x 4-pin CPU fan connector
1 x 4-pin CPU OPT fan connector
1 x AiO 4-pin pump connector
4 x 4-pin chassis fan connector
1 x W_PUMP connector
1 x 2-pin water inlet connector
1 x 2-pin water outlet connector
1 x 3-pin water flow connector
Concentrated memory overclocking: the ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore
When professional overclockers are looking for a motherboard ready to provide a platform for record memory performance, they often turn to ROG Maximus Apex motherboards. The original ROG Maximus Z790 Apex enabled the ASUS Republic of Gamers overclocking team to push an Intel CPU past the 9 GHz mark. Now ASUS is preparing for round two with the ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore
This motherboard’s robust power supply solution provides a high-end foundation for exceptional performance. Raw power enters the board via 8 8 ProCool II power connectors. The solid pins of these connectors offer better contact with the power plugs, better heat dissipation and greater reliability than ordinary hardware. Unified power phases, 24 Vcore phases and 2 VCCAUX phases, rated at 105 amps, provide stable power to the CPU, while robust VRM heatsinks keep circuits cool under pressure
With the ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore, ASUS introduces a new way of extracting all the performance from the user’s hardware. The included ROG DDR5 fan kit enables users to maintain low temperatures on their memory modules thanks to a high-performance fan that directs cooling air through the memory slots. This cooling solution boosts DDR5 stability to free up memory overclocking – with the right kit, speeds of 8400 MT/s are possible
For those using a liquid cooling loop to maintain low temperatures, the ROG Water Cooling Zone lets them take control. The ROG Water-Cooling Zone’s two water temperature connectors and flow connector provide information directly to ROG’s intuitive Fan Xpert 4 utility, allowing users to keep heat under control and stay cool during every game
ASUS’ exclusive Intelligent Controls make it easy for users to optimize their experience. AI Overclocking optimizes processor performance in just a few clicks. This technology uses dedicated on-board microcontrollers to track temperatures and telemetry frequencies, then passes this data to an advanced algorithm coded by experts to overclock the system. AI Cooling II monitors the processor and uses its pressure test data to calculate the lowest fan speed needed to cool the system efficiently. To ensure that users have all the tools they need to test and monitor their memory, ASUS includes a one-year subscription to AIDA64 Extreme, plus Memtest86 pre-installed in the ROG UEFI (BIOS)
ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX AGAIN
ATX format
Memory 2 x DIMM, max. 96 GB, DDR5
PCIe 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 (@x16 or @x8/x8)
2 x PCIe 4.0 x4
Storage 3 x on-board M.2 slots
1 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 5.0 x4)
1 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4)
1 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4 & SATA)
DIMM.2 ROG CARD
1 x M.2 22110 (PCIe 4.0 x4)
1 x M.2 22110 (PCIe 4.0 x4)
Intel® Wi-Fi 7 network
1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet
Audio Surround sound ROG SupremeFX 7.1 CODEC high-definition audio ALC4080
Rear I/O 1 x USB 20 Gb/s port (1 x USB Type-C®)
5 x USB 10 Gb/s ports (5 x Type-A)
4 x USB 5 Gb/s ports (4 x Type-A)
Front I/O 1 x USB 20 Gb/s connector (USB Type-C compatible with up to 60W PD/QC4 )
2 x USB 5 Gb/s connectors (compatible with 4 x USB 5 Gb/s ports)
2 x USB 2.0 connectors (compatible with 4 USB 2.0 ports)
Aura 3 x gen 2 addressable connectors
1 x Aura RGB connector
Cooling 1 x 4-pin fan connector CPU
1 x 4-pin CPU OPT fan connector
1 x AiO 4-pin pump connector
2 x 4-pin chassis fan connectors
2 x 4-pin maximum speed fan connectors
1 x W_PUMP connector
1 x 2-pin water inlet connector
1 x 2-pin water outlet connector
1 x 3-pin water flow connector
1 x High-flow fan connector
The new gaming reference: the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi II
ROG Strix motherboards take the basic DNA of the ROG Maximus series and distill it into more accessible designs that deliver exceptional gaming performance and assertive style. The most powerful model in the range is the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi II
With its PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and on-board PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, this is the ROG Strix motherboard to get if users are hungry for the best graphics cards and SSDs of today and tomorrow. It offers a robust power solution ready for overclocking, WiFi 7 and a connector ready to help users set up a high-speed USB Type-C® port on the front with 30 watts of Power Delivery fast charging
ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI II
ATX format
Memory 4 x DIMM, Max. 192 GB, DDR5
PCIe 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 (@x16)
2 x PCIe 4.0 x16(@x4)
Storage 1 x M.2 22110 (PCIe 5.0 x4)
3 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4)
1 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4 & SATA)
Intel® Wi-Fi 7 network
1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet
Audio Surround sound ROG SupremeFX 7.1 CODEC high-definition audio ALC4080
Rear I/O 1 x 20 Gb/s port (1 x Type-C®)
11 x USB 10 Gb/s ports (10 x Type-A, 1 x USB Type-C)
Front I/O 1 x 20 Gb/s USB connector (supports USB Type-C) with PD Fast Charge up to 30W
2 x USB 5 Gb/s connectors (compatible with 4 USB 5 Gb/s ports)
3 x USB 2.0 connectors (compatible with 6 USB 2.0 ports)
Aura 3 x gen 2 addressable connectors
1 x Aura RGB connector
Cooling 1 x 4-pin CPU fan connector
1 x 4-pin CPU OPT fan connector
1 x AiO 4-pin pump connector
5 x 4-pin chassis fan connectors
A powerful combination of style and performance: the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi II
Users who are tempted by the style of the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi II but don’t have an immediate need for this motherboard’s PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot should turn to the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi II
In many respects, the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi II is quite similar to its predecessor. It features a new-generation PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, WiFi 7, a high-end ROG SupremeFX audio solution and five on-board M.2 slots. The ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi II motherboard is distinguished from the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi II by a few judicious subtractions: its M.2 slots are all wired for PCIe 4.0 speeds, its VRM doesn’t have as many power phases, and it doesn’t offer as many 10 Gb/s USB ports on its rear panel. However, its lower price should make it an interesting option for PC assemblers for whom these features are a tempting luxury, but not an absolute necessity
ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II
ATX format
Memory 4 x DIMM, Max. 192 GB, DDR5
PCIe 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 (@x16)
1 x PCIe 4.0 x16(@x4)
1 x PCIe 3.0 x1
Storage 2 x M.2 22110 (PCIe 4.0 x4)
2 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4)
1 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4 & SATA)
Intel® Wi-Fi 7 network
1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet
Audio Surround sound ROG SupremeFX 5.1 CODEC high-definition audio ALC4080
Rear I/O 1 x 20 Gb/s port (1 x Type-C®)
3 x USB 2 Gb/s ports (2 x Type-A, 1 x USB Type-C)
4 x USB 5 Gb/s ports (4 x Type-A)
6 x USB 2.0 ports (6 x Type-A)
Front I/O 1 x 20 Gb/s USB connector (supports USB Type-C) with PD fast charging up to 30W
1 x USB 5 Gb/s connector (supports 2 x USB 5 Gb/s ports)
2 x USB 2.0 connectors (compatible with 4 USB 2.0 ports)
Aura 3 x gen 2 addressable connectors
1 x Aura RGB connector
Cooling 1 x 4-pin CPU fan connector
1 x 4-pin CPU OPT fan connector
1 x AiO 4-pin pump connector
5 x 4-pin chassis fan connectors
Images and more details on the specifications of the new ASUS Z790 motherboards are available in the Edge Up buyer’s guide, or on the ASUS 700 page for videos of each series
Availability and prices
For more information, please ask your local sales contact.
