ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO LGA 1700 ATX Gaming Motherboard

Overview

The ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO is an ATX gaming motherboard designed for Intel LGA 1700 processors, supporting 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core CPUs. It features four DDR5 DIMM slots that can handle up to 192 GB of memory with speeds reaching 8000 MT/s through overclocking, making it well suited for demanding gaming, streaming, and creative workloads. This board offers extensive storage options, high-speed connectivity, and robust power delivery to ensure stable performance in high-end PC builds.

Key features

• Supports the latest Intel Core processors with the Z790 chipset for future-proof performance and compatibility.
• Four DDR5 memory slots enable large capacity and high-speed RAM configurations to keep multitasking and gaming smooth.
• Five M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 and four PCIe 4.0, plus four SATA III ports, provide versatile storage expansion for SSDs and hard drives.
• Two full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slots allow for powerful graphics cards or multiple add-in cards with maximum bandwidth.
• Rear panel includes two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports for fast data transfer and display connectivity with a single cable.
• Advanced networking with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and 2.5 Gb Ethernet ensures low-latency wired and wireless connections.
• SupremeFX 7.1-channel audio powered by the ALC4082 codec and ESS ES9218 DAC delivers clear and immersive sound for gaming and content creation.
• 20+1+2 power stage design combined with large heatsinks maintains stable power delivery and efficient cooling under heavy loads.
• AI-assisted UEFI firmware simplifies overclocking and fan tuning, making advanced system optimization accessible to all users.

Key specs

• Socket: Intel LGA 1700
• Chipset: Intel Z790
• Memory: 4 x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 192 GB, up to 8000 MT/s (overclocked)
• Storage: 1 x M.2 PCIe 5.0, 4 x M.2 PCIe 4.0, 4 x SATA III ports
• Expansion slots: 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 (full length), 1 x PCIe 4.0 x4
• Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5 Gb Ethernet
• Audio: SupremeFX ALC4082 7.1-channel codec with ESS ES9218 DAC
• Power phases: 20+1+2 power stage design

Connectivity and compatibility

This motherboard offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options to support a wide range of peripherals and devices. The two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports on the rear panel enable high-speed data transfer and support for high-resolution displays with a single cable. Wireless connectivity is future-ready with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, providing fast and stable connections for gaming and streaming. The 2.5 Gb Ethernet port ensures low-latency wired networking, ideal for competitive online play or large file transfers.

• Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports for versatile high-speed connections
• Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for advanced wireless networking
• 2.5 Gb Ethernet for reliable and fast wired internet access
• Multiple USB ports and audio jacks (details depend on specific rear I/O configuration)

Performance and reliability

The power delivery system on this motherboard is designed to handle the demands of high-performance CPUs and overclocking. The 20+1+2 power stage design ensures clean and stable current to the processor, while large heatsinks help dissipate heat efficiently without increasing fan noise. The AI-guided overclocking and cooling controls in the UEFI firmware make it easier to optimize system performance and maintain reliability during extended gaming sessions or intensive workloads.

Ideal uses and environments

This motherboard is a strong choice for gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts who want a platform capable of handling the latest Intel processors and fast DDR5 memory. It fits well in high-end gaming towers, streaming setups, and workstations that require fast storage, advanced connectivity, and stable power delivery. Builders looking to future-proof their systems with PCIe 5.0 support and Wi-Fi 7 will find this board meets those needs effectively.