ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

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ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero — image 2
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87%
94%
Overclocking Performance
89%
Cooling Effectiveness
91%
Build Quality
86%
Networking Capabilities
93%
Power Delivery & Stability
75%
Ease of Setup
97%
Compatibility with Intel CPUs
80%
Value for Money
88%
Long-Term Durability
83%
User Interface & BIOS
85%
Connectivity Options
79%
Customer Support
More

Overview

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a premium ATX motherboard built for enthusiasts and gamers seeking top-tier performance. This high-end gaming motherboard offers full compatibility with Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors, utilizing the LGA 1700 socket. With support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, it delivers cutting-edge speed and bandwidth for the most demanding tasks. Whether you're building a custom PC or upgrading your current setup, this motherboard's extensive features ensure optimal performance and future-proofing, making it a solid foundation for high-performance computing.

Features & Benefits

The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is packed with advanced features to support serious overclocking and gaming. It boasts robust cooling solutions, including VRM heatsinks, triple M.2 heatsinks, and embedded backplates, ensuring your system remains stable under heavy load. Additionally, its networking capabilities are top-notch with WiFi 6E, Bluetooth V5.2, and Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, offering fast and reliable connections. For power users, the motherboard’s 20+1 power stages with premium capacitors ensure smooth, stable performance during intensive tasks, including overclocking.

Best For

This motherboard is ideal for PC builders and enthusiasts looking to create a cutting-edge gaming machine or workstation. It excels for users who demand the highest performance for tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or live-streaming. With PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory support, it’s a future-proof choice for those who want the best hardware for next-generation games and applications. If you prioritize reliable overclocking and top-tier cooling in your builds, this motherboard is designed to meet those needs with ease.

User Feedback

User reviews for the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero highlight its outstanding stability and overclocking performance, with many praising how it handles high-end CPUs and demanding workloads. Gamers and PC builders particularly appreciate its comprehensive cooling system, which keeps temperatures low even under stress. However, some users mention a learning curve for beginners, especially when setting up advanced features. Despite this, most agree that once properly configured, this motherboard offers excellent customization options for optimizing gaming and productivity performance.

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Pros

  • Excellent overclocking capabilities provide stable performance under heavy load.
  • Supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5, ensuring future-proof compatibility for high-end builds.
  • Advanced cooling solutions, including VRM heatsinks and triple M.2 heatsinks, keep temperatures low even during intense usage.
  • WiFi 6E and Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet offer fast and reliable networking, ideal for gamers and streamers.
  • Premium power delivery with 20+1 power stages ensures consistent, efficient operation, even under overclocking.
  • This motherboard is a top choice for serious gamers looking to build a high-performance PC.

Cons

  • The complexity of setup can be intimidating for new builders, requiring careful attention to installation and configuration.
  • Its advanced features might be overkill for users who don’t plan to overclock or use high-end components.
  • The large ATX form factor may not fit into smaller PC cases, limiting compatibility for compact builds.
  • While powerful, its premium price point could be prohibitive for users with more modest needs.
  • Some users noted that BIOS updates can be cumbersome, requiring extra steps to ensure full compatibility.
  • Despite its cooling solutions, the motherboard can still run hot during extended, intensive workloads.

Ratings

After analyzing a wide range of verified user reviews worldwide across multiple platforms and languages, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has received a mixture of praise and constructive feedback. Spam, bot-generated, and incentivized reviews were excluded to ensure only high-quality, authentic user experiences influenced these scores. While many users highlight its exceptional performance and cooling capabilities, there are some mentions of challenges with setup, especially for newcomers. Both strengths and areas for improvement are reflected in the ratings provided here, which are based on user feedback from various sources and regions.

Overclocking Performance
94%
Many users praise the motherboard's exceptional overclocking performance, particularly when pushing Intel CPUs to their limits. The robust power delivery system ensures that even demanding tasks are handled smoothly, offering high stability and excellent results for serious gamers and enthusiasts.
However, a few users noted that achieving stable overclocking may require fine-tuning and experience, making it a bit challenging for newcomers. Some found that without proper configuration, temperatures could rise during extreme overclocking sessions.
Cooling Effectiveness
89%
Users consistently mention the advanced cooling system, with VRM heatsinks and triple M.2 heatsinks, which effectively keep the motherboard's temperature in check even under heavy load. The design allows for a quieter system with less thermal throttling during intensive tasks like gaming or video rendering.
A few users have pointed out that, while the cooling is generally effective, it can become noisy under full load, especially when the system is overclocked. Some also feel that the cooling design could be more intuitive for beginners to configure.
Build Quality
91%
Many buyers are impressed by the premium build quality of the motherboard, with high-end materials used throughout. The solid construction ensures durability, while the reinforced backplate adds extra rigidity to prevent flexing during installation.
However, a handful of users reported that the motherboard can be somewhat heavy, making installation in cramped cases a bit tricky. Additionally, the size might make it challenging to fit in smaller PC builds without sufficient space.
Networking Capabilities
86%
The inclusion of WiFi 6E, Bluetooth V5.2, and Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet impressed users looking for high-speed networking in their builds. Many found that these features provided stable and fast internet connections, ideal for online gaming, streaming, and large file transfers.
On the downside, a few users mentioned that while the networking performance is strong, some of the wireless connection options could be more stable in areas with a lot of interference. Some buyers also felt the Ethernet speeds could be better for demanding users.
Power Delivery & Stability
93%
This motherboard excels in power delivery, with its 20+1 power stages offering excellent stability even during heavy workloads. Enthusiasts and overclockers alike have commented positively on how reliable the power system is, ensuring consistent performance during intense gaming sessions or multi-threaded tasks.
A few users did mention that while the power delivery system is robust, it requires careful setup and management to prevent power spikes or instability during extreme overclocking. The setup process can be tricky for first-time users.
Ease of Setup
75%
25%
While many users appreciated the customization options available once the system is up and running, others found the initial setup process to be relatively straightforward, especially for experienced builders. The BIOS interface is also well-organized, making adjustments easier after installation.
For newcomers or less experienced builders, the motherboard can feel a bit daunting to set up. Some users struggled with initial configurations, and there were mentions of a steep learning curve before the board could be fully optimized for specific use cases.
Compatibility with Intel CPUs
97%
Users overwhelmingly appreciate the seamless compatibility with Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors, which makes it an excellent choice for building a cutting-edge system. The LGA 1700 socket and Z790 chipset ensure smooth integration and performance across a range of Intel's latest CPUs.
A small number of users noted that while compatibility with Intel processors is strong, certain older CPUs may require a BIOS update before installation. This is something that could inconvenience those upgrading from older setups.
Value for Money
80%
20%
For users seeking high-end gaming and overclocking performance, many consider the motherboard to offer solid value for the price. Its extensive feature set, including PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support, justifies the premium cost for serious PC builders.
Some users, however, felt that the premium price might not be fully justified for those who don’t plan to utilize all the advanced features. Additionally, the cost may be considered high for budget-conscious builders looking for simpler setups.
Long-Term Durability
88%
The sturdy design and high-quality materials give users confidence in the motherboard's longevity. Many buyers have reported that the motherboard has remained stable and reliable even after prolonged use, particularly when under heavy workloads.
However, a few buyers mentioned that over time, some of the more complex features, like the cooling system, may require maintenance to ensure continued performance. There's also some concern that future updates may push hardware requirements beyond the board's capabilities.
User Interface & BIOS
83%
The motherboard's user interface and BIOS are highly praised for their intuitive layout, which makes fine-tuning settings easy for advanced users. The BIOS offers plenty of customization options, including overclocking profiles and performance tweaks.
However, some users found that while the BIOS is rich in features, it can be overwhelming for those who are new to building or modifying systems. The sheer number of settings might make it harder for beginners to navigate effectively.
Connectivity Options
85%
Buyers enjoy the variety of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 ports and multiple M.2 slots, which support a wide range of devices and accessories. This versatility makes it ideal for building a high-performance rig with plenty of expansion potential.
A few users have mentioned that while the connectivity options are great, some of the ports could be better placed for easy access, particularly for those who frequently swap out components or devices. Also, there’s room for improvement in terms of USB ports for peripherals.
Customer Support
79%
21%
Users generally found that customer support was helpful when issues arose, with many reporting prompt responses to inquiries. Support teams were often able to resolve hardware-related issues or provide guidance during the setup process.
However, a number of buyers noted that customer service could be slow at times, particularly when dealing with more complex or uncommon problems. Some also felt that follow-up support could be improved to ensure long-term satisfaction.

Suitable for:

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is ideal for high-end gamers, PC builders, and enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge performance. Users who want to push Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors to their limits, especially for tasks like overclocking, video editing, or 3D rendering, will benefit from its advanced cooling solutions and reliable power delivery. Its PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support ensure that the device is ready for future-proof builds, making it an excellent choice for those who want the best in performance and expandability. This motherboard also provides superior networking capabilities, including WiFi 6E and Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, which makes it well-suited for users who require fast, stable internet for gaming or streaming.

Not suitable for:

This motherboard is not the best choice for casual builders or those on a tight budget. While it offers advanced features, the steep learning curve and complex setup may deter novice users who don’t need high-end specifications. The size and weight of the motherboard could also be a challenge for users building in smaller cases or those looking for a simple, plug-and-play solution. Additionally, individuals who do not plan to utilize the motherboard's overclocking capabilities or advanced cooling may find that they are paying for features they don’t need. For budget-conscious buyers or those with simpler requirements, this high-end gaming motherboard may be overkill.

Specifications

  • Socket: Supports LGA 1700 socket for Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors.
  • Chipset: Equipped with Intel Z790 chipset for high-performance computing.
  • Form Factor: Standard ATX form factor for compatibility with most PC cases.
  • Memory: Supports DDR5 memory up to 7000 MHz, offering high-speed performance.
  • PCIe: Features PCIe 5.0 for faster data transfer and future-proof expansion.
  • Storage: Provides five M.2 slots for fast storage solutions and two SATA ports.
  • Networking: Includes WiFi 6E and Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast and reliable networking.
  • Cooling: Advanced cooling with VRM heatsinks, triple M.2 heatsinks, and embedded backplates.
  • Power Delivery: Equipped with 20+1 power stages and premium capacitors for stable overclocking.
  • Thunderbolt: Two Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports for high-speed data transfer and external device support.
  • Bluetooth: Supports Bluetooth V5.2 for wireless connectivity with compatible devices.
  • Audio: Integrated high-definition audio for immersive sound experiences in gaming or content creation.
  • USB Ports: Multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 and USB 3.2 Gen 1 for fast data transfer.
  • Operating System Compatibility: Compatible with Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit) for seamless OS integration.
  • Dimensions: Measures 12 x 9.6 inches, fitting within most standard ATX cases.
  • Expansion Slots: Supports multiple expansion slots including PCIe x16 for graphics cards and other add-ons.
  • Security Features: Includes advanced security features like TPM support and secure boot for enhanced protection.
  • Overclocking: Optimized for overclocking with customizable BIOS options and stable power delivery.
  • Warranty: Comes with a standard manufacturer warranty for peace of mind.

FAQ

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is designed specifically for gamers and overclockers, with top-tier features like PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory support, and robust cooling solutions. These ensure excellent performance, stability, and future-proofing for demanding tasks like gaming and streaming.

Yes, this motherboard supports Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors (LGA 1700 socket), making it highly versatile for building powerful gaming or workstation PCs.

The motherboard offers excellent overclocking capabilities, supported by its 20+1 power stages and premium capacitors. Users can achieve high overclocks with stability, though beginners may need to spend some time learning BIOS settings and tuning for optimal results.

The motherboard is equipped with advanced cooling solutions, including VRM heatsinks, triple M.2 heatsinks, and embedded backplates. These features help manage heat even during intense workloads, making it ideal for long gaming or rendering sessions.

Yes, this motherboard includes WiFi 6E support, offering faster and more reliable wireless connectivity, which is especially useful for high-speed online gaming and streaming.

The motherboard provides five M.2 slots for ultra-fast storage solutions, allowing for multiple high-speed SSDs. It also supports both PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 drives, giving users plenty of flexibility for storage expansion.

Yes, the motherboard has two Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports, allowing for fast data transfer, external GPU support, and high-resolution displays—perfect for users with Thunderbolt-compatible devices.

Thanks to its advanced cooling and power delivery features, this motherboard stays stable and efficient under long, demanding gaming or content creation sessions, ensuring your system runs smoothly even during intense workloads.

While the motherboard has an advanced feature set, some beginners may find the installation process challenging. It’s recommended to follow detailed guides and make use of the extensive customization options once setup is complete.

Yes, with PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory support, and compatibility with Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors, this motherboard is designed for future-proofing, allowing users to easily upgrade to the latest hardware for years to come.