At a look
Knowledgeable’s Ranking
Execs
- Nice for each players and content material creators
- Glorious I/O, M.2 drive choices, and USB ports
- Enticing design and sturdy construct high quality
Cons
- 10GbE networking can be welcomed
- Gamer-only PC builds could also be higher off with the cheaper Strix fashions
Our Verdict
Each players and content material creators will discover rather a lot to love within the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero. It’s effectively designed and has the entire next-gen options each events want, corresponding to PCIe Gen 5, Thunderbolt 4 and USB ports, and loads of M.2 slots. It lacks 10GbE networking, which you’d anticipate with a premium board like this, however that’s removed from a deal breaker. General it is a implausible next-gen motherboard with a comparatively inexpensive price ticket that may enchantment to a large viewers.
Greatest Costs At the moment: Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
Not Obtainable
There are a lot of intelligent methods to riff on this motherboard’s identify, however we’ll spare you the puns and metaphors and dive proper in to see if that is the “Hero” motherboard that we’ve been in search of. (Okay, we couldn’t resist.)
Maybe the very best candidates to match this heroic providing from Asus are within the type of Intel’s new Thirteenth-generation CPU lineup, such because the i9 13900K. This chip is bursting with fiery efficiency and power-draw which are superhero-caliber!
The Asus ROG Maximus Hero is as much as the duty of assembly the i9 13900K the place it’s at. This Z790 iteration of the illustrious “Republic of Avid gamers” (ROG) lineup aspires to be the right mix of operate and aesthetics.
If the Asus ROG Strix Z790-E is good for players, the Z790 Hero takes it up a notch—each players and content material creators will likely be spoiled by the bevy of extras. We’ll go over the specs, options, design, and efficiency. Will the additional function set entice you to decide on this board over different choices? Let’s discover out!
Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero: The Specs
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero comes with loads of Thunderbolt 4 and USB ports.
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The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero clocks in at an MSRP of $629, which places it close to the mid to higher echelon of motherboards. (Nonetheless shy of the dearer behemoths such because the Asus ROG Excessive we reviewed for Z690)
Let’s take a gander on the fundamental specs beneath, and what you’re getting for the worth. We’ll subsequently focus on probably the most consequential.
You’ll have the ability to use each Intel’s Twelfth- and Thirteenth-gen CPUs with Z790, alongside together with your present CPU coolers.
The field is larger than most traditional motherboards, together with a couple of neat included extras that denote the Z790 Hero’s premium pedigree. Of notice is the Asus M.2 Hyper PCIe card, permitting you so as to add two extra M.2 drives, one being able to PCIe Gen 5. Different included equipment vary from the motive force USB drive and ROG stickers, to additional cooling {hardware} for including small followers.
The Hero provides a bunch of options that transcend purely gaming requirements and enchantment to content material creators, too.
- ATX type issue
- Assist for each Intel Twelfth- and Thirteenth-gen CPUs
- Twin 20+1 energy levels with 105 amps
- DDR5 RAM
- 2x PCIe Gen 5.0 16x slots (16x and 8x/8x)
- 3x onboard M.2 slots, (PCIe Gen 4)
- Asus Hyper M.2 enlargement card: 2 extra M.2 slots (PCIe Gen 5 and Gen 4)
- HDMI out
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports
- 10 USB ports on again, together with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gb/s
- Intel Wi-Fi 6E
- Intel 2.5GbE LAN
- RGB Aura Sync header
- 6 SATA 6Gb/s ports
- 8 PWM fan headers plus water move headers
- BIOS Flashback and Clear CMOS
- Onboard energy button
- Audio: ROG SupremeFX with ALC4082 Codec
- Backwards appropriate CPU cooler mounting
- Asus Q-Launch and Q-Latch
- MSRP $629
Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero: Options
The Z790 Hero, very like the ROG Strix, has the whole lot you’d ever need for a candy gaming construct. The place the Hero actually begins to shine is in its additional options, which spherical it out for content material creators too.
Z790 continues the next-gen upgrades launched with Z690, corresponding to DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5. Whereas present GPUs such because the RTX 4090 are nonetheless solely PCIe Gen 4, you’ll have tons of future-proofing right here.
On the Hero, you’ll get two PCIe 16x PCIe slots, which each supply the superior Q-Launch button. In case you’ve ever tried to take away your GPU out of a good PC construct, you’ll know the way precious these quick-release buttons are permitting for simpler entry!
The Q-Launch button on the fitting facet of the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero permits for fast GPU removing.
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USB ports are loads right here, and also you’ll get one which’s the newer 20Gb/s 3.2 Gen 2×2 too. Of curiosity to workstation customers and content material creators is the inclusion of two Thunderbolt 4 ports, with speeds as much as 40Gb/s. Thunderbolt has a big ecosystem of supported equipment, from speedy exterior drives to even exterior GPUs, one thing content material creators can recognize.
The included ROG Hyper M.2 Card.
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M.2 choices are attention-grabbing right here: three onboard PCIe Gen 4 slots supplemented by the PCIe Asus Hyper M.2 card for 2 extra slots. Some motherboards will present extra slots onboard, however on the expense of PCIe lane compromises. No less than right here you will have the choice so as to add them with some simpler entry. Of profit to the onboard slots, is the Q-Latch system, making toolless set up potential. This can be a nice innovation since these tiny M.2 screws are sometimes tough to work with!
You’ll nonetheless get six SATA ports for many who want it, which exceeds the 4 SATA ports discovered on lower-tier motherboards lately.
Audio connectivity is properly represented, with the ROG SupremeFX ALC4082 Codec and audio outputs on the again, together with digital.
Networking choices are fantastic, with Intel’s 2.5GbE and 6E Wi-Fi. We’d wish to see 10GbE provided on this degree of motherboard, like what is out there on the Asus ROG Excessive, nonetheless.
The helpful overclocking options are right here too, after all. A helpful begin button on the motherboard itself is available in clutch if you’re on a check bench, or just testing your new PC construct. Clear CMOS and BIOS Flashback are additionally current—staples of premium overclocking motherboards.
Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero: Design
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has an eye catching design.
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The $629 MSRP ROG Maximus Z790 Hero feels solidly constructed, and substantial within the arms. A part of that’s due to the impressively sturdy backplate—with a tastefully completed Asus ROG brand. This accentuates the premium really feel of the Z790 Hero in each visible and tactile high quality.
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero’s backplate.
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The spectacular design continues on the entrance with simply the correct quantity of RGB touches to make it interesting. You’ll get an attractive show on the I/O upper-left space of the motherboard, customizable within the Asus Armoury Crate software program. Asus calls this “Polymo Lighting.” We wish to name it “cool shiny lights,” because it’s a colourful show of eye sweet!
Eye-popping RGB included.
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The M.2 and PCIe space has purposeful and engaging styling, with the Asus ROG brand as soon as once more outstanding. Reflective surfaces abound, though when in use, they’re typically hidden by the GPU and brilliant RGB results.
Rounding out the remainder of the design, you’ll have the imposing VRM heatsink letting this motherboard is prepared for motion! Cautious with these fingers; that is excessive grade stuff!
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Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero: Efficiency, software program, and BIOS
Asus calls the 20+1 energy levels its “Teamed Energy Stage Design” due to the usage of “Section Doublers.” This ensures most efficiency whereas holding voltages and thermals in verify. Strapping Intel’s i9 13900K to this, even overclocked? No worries, these VRMs will simply deal with the scorching monster with out breaking a sweat!
Whereas the Z690 Hero additionally has the chops to deal with the most recent CPUs, the Z790 has a couple of added efficiency advantages. In terms of DDR5, Z790 has improved stability and better overlocking limits for the quickest RAM kits. Asus says it’s as a result of improved sign routing—so that you’re welcome, overclockers. Go have enjoyable! (Non-overclockers may even profit from added stability and higher compatibility with 4 -DIMM RAM configurations on the Z790, too).
The Asus BIOS has been famend for ease of use and assist for deep tinkering for many who need it. Positive, simple computerized XMP profiles and Ai overclocking are right here, too. If you wish to change RAM timings, or alter minute particulars on a CPU overclock, you’ll be like a child in a toy retailer right here.
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In case you choose to maintain your mad-scientist role-playing out of the BIOS, Asus Armoury Crate software program is right here for that. Simply alter fan curves, and Aura Sync RGB choices aplenty. It will probably routinely verify for driver updates, though we at all times beneficial occasional checking of the Asus web site—generally BIOS updates and the like are launched quicker there if that you must replace. In any other case, the software program has nice visible enchantment and is usually simple to make use of.
Must you purchase the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero?
The Asus ROG Maximus Z90 Hero is a pleasant motherboard that bridges the hole between players and content material creators. For players wanting premium construct high quality, chock-full of choices, you may’t go unsuitable. It’s going to look nice in your construct with its tasteful RGB, too. At $629, it’s dearer than previous-generation Hero choices, nevertheless it’s additionally packing the most recent and best applied sciences, which aren’t low cost to implement.
For content material creators and people wanting to make use of the board as a workstation, there’s rather a lot to love right here, too. Thunderbolt 4, loads of USB, and 5 slots for M.2 drives with the included Asus Hyper PCIe card, for instance. Six SATA ports will provide you with much more storage choices, too. In case you don’t want 10GbE networking, there may be little else that you’ll want.
If you’d like a high-end, premium-feeling motherboard, with out having to shell out the dough for the uber-class choices, the Z790 Hero makes for a wonderful selection with little compromise.
