Asus rog strix z790

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790 series represents the pinnacle of motherboard engineering for Intel’s 13th and 14th Gen processors, delivering robust power delivery, exceptional connectivity, and advanced thermal solutions for enthusiasts and gamers alike.

These boards are designed to unleash the full potential of high-performance components, ensuring stability and overclocking prowess for demanding applications and the latest games.

For an in-depth look at specific models and their features, you can check out this detailed review: Asus rog strix z790.

Unpacking the Z790 Chipset: What Drives Performance

The Intel Z790 chipset is the backbone of these high-end motherboards, serving as the critical interface between your CPU, memory, storage, and expansion cards.

It’s built to support the latest advancements in PC technology, offering significant upgrades over previous generations.

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PCI Express 5.0 and Beyond

The Z790 chipset fully embraces PCI Express 5.0 PCIe 5.0, doubling the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0. This is crucial for:

• Next-Gen GPUs: Modern graphics cards can leverage PCIe 5.0 for faster data transfer, though current GPUs often don’t saturate PCIe 4.0. Future cards, however, will undoubtedly benefit.
• Ultrafast NVMe SSDs: PCIe 5.0 NVMe drives are emerging, promising sequential read/write speeds exceeding 10 GB/s. For instance, a PCIe 5.0 SSD like the Crucial T700 can hit speeds of up to 12,400 MB/s read and 11,800 MB/s write, dramatically reducing game loading times and professional application workflow.
• Future Expansion: This increased bandwidth future-proofs your system for upcoming technologies that demand high throughput.

Enhanced Connectivity and Data Transfer

The Z790 chipset significantly boosts connectivity options.

• USB 3.2 Gen 2×2: With support for multiple 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, you can transfer large files to external drives at blistering speeds. For example, transferring a 100GB game file could take less than a minute.
• DDR5 Memory Support: The Z790 platform exclusively supports DDR5 RAM, offering higher frequencies and improved efficiency compared to DDR4. High-end Z790 boards can support DDR5 frequencies well over 7000 MT/s Mega Transfers per second, with some pushing past 8000 MT/s through overclocking, significantly boosting memory-intensive tasks.
• Increased DMI 4.0 Lanes: The Direct Media Interface DMI link between the CPU and chipset is upgraded to DMI 4.0 x8 lanes, providing 16 GB/s of bandwidth, ensuring that all high-speed peripherals can communicate effectively with the CPU without bottlenecks.

Robust Power Delivery: Fueling High-End Processors

Modern Intel CPUs, especially the i7 and i9 K-series, can draw substantial power under load, particularly when overclocked. 27 inch 1440p 144hz monitor

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboards are engineered with sophisticated power delivery systems VRMs to handle these demands with stability and efficiency.

VRM Design and Components

• High-Phase Counts: ASUS ROG Strix Z790 boards typically feature 16+1 or 18+1 power stages, where each phase is dedicated to a specific voltage rail CPU Vcore, iGPU, VCCAUX. This distributed load management ensures stable power delivery. For instance, the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi II often boasts a 18+1+2 teamed power stage design.
• Premium Chokes and Capacitors: ASUS uses high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors rated for extended lifespans and high temperatures. These components minimize power loss and ripple, delivering cleaner power to the CPU.
• High-Amperage Power Stages: Many Strix Z790 models utilize 70A or even 90A power stages. This means each phase can deliver a significant amount of current, allowing the VRM to handle transient spikes and sustained heavy loads without overheating or throttling. This is crucial for maintaining stable clock speeds during intense gaming sessions or demanding productivity tasks.

ProCool II Power Connectors

ASUS’s proprietary ProCool II power connectors are designed to ensure a tighter contact with the PSU power lines, reducing impedance and improving heat dissipation. This means less chance of hotspots and more efficient power transfer, vital for pushing the limits during overclocking. The solid pins also prevent bending or damage during installation.

Advanced Thermal Solutions: Keeping Cool Under Pressure

Effective cooling is paramount for system stability and longevity, especially with high-performance components.

ASUS ROG Strix Z790 boards implement comprehensive thermal designs to manage heat generated by the VRM, M.2 SSDs, and the chipset itself.

VRM Heatsinks and Thermal Pads

• Massive Heatsinks: The VRM section is covered by large, high-mass heatsinks, often featuring multi-finned designs and integrated heat pipes. These heatsinks maximize surface area for heat dissipation.
• High-Conductivity Thermal Pads: Beneath the heatsinks, high-quality thermal pads are used to ensure excellent contact with the VRM components, efficiently transferring heat away. Some models utilize thermal pads with conductivity ratings of up to 6 W/mK.
• Integrated I/O Cover: Many Strix Z790 boards integrate the VRM heatsinks directly into the I/O shield, not only for aesthetics but also to expand the cooling surface area.

M.2 Heatsinks and Backplates

• Dedicated M.2 Heatsinks: Every M.2 slot on Strix Z790 boards comes with its own dedicated heatsink. Given that PCIe 5.0 NVMe drives can generate significant heat, these heatsinks are crucial to prevent thermal throttling, which can degrade drive performance by up to 50% under sustained load if not adequately cooled.
• M.2 Backplates: High-end models often include a metal backplate for the primary M.2 slot. This not only adds rigidity but also acts as an additional thermal dissipation surface, drawing heat away from the underside of the SSD. This is particularly beneficial for double-sided NVMe drives.

Chipset Heatsink and Fan Headers

• Passive Chipset Cooling: The Z790 chipset itself is typically cooled by a dedicated, often aesthetically integrated, heatsink.
• Comprehensive Fan Control: ASUS boards provide a plethora of fan headers typically 6-8 fan headers, including dedicated AIO pump headers and high-amperage headers for custom liquid cooling loops. The Q-Fan control software allows for granular control over fan curves based on various temperature sensors, ensuring optimal cooling and noise levels.

Connectivity and Expansion: Building a Future-Proof System

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790 series excels in providing a wealth of connectivity options, ensuring that users have ample ports and slots for current and future peripherals, storage, and expansion cards. Iqcent.io Reviews

PCIe Expansion Slots

• Primary PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot: The main graphics card slot is typically PCIe 5.0 x16, providing maximum bandwidth for the most powerful GPUs.
• Additional PCIe Slots: Depending on the model, you’ll find additional PCIe x16 often x4 or x8 electrical and PCIe x1 slots for expansion cards like capture cards, sound cards, or additional network adapters. The intelligent lane allocation ensures optimal performance across multiple devices.

Storage Options

• Multiple M.2 Slots: Most ROG Strix Z790 boards come equipped with four to five M.2 slots, with at least one supporting PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs. The remaining slots support PCIe 4.0 NVMe and SATA M.2 drives, offering immense flexibility for high-speed storage.
• SATA III Ports: Typically four to six SATA 6Gb/s ports are available for traditional 2.5-inch SSDs and 3.5-inch HDDs, catering to users who still rely on mass storage solutions.

USB Ports and Headers

• Extensive USB Connectivity: A rich array of USB ports is standard, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-A and Type-C ports on the rear I/O. Many boards also feature a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps Type-C port.
• Front Panel Headers: Internal headers provide front panel connectivity, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C for cases with front Type-C ports and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 headers. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of PC cases and their front I/O.

Networking Capabilities

• Integrated Wi-Fi 6E: Most ROG Strix Z790 models feature Intel Wi-Fi 6E onboard, offering support for the new 6GHz band, reducing interference and providing theoretical speeds of up to 2.4 Gbps with compatible routers.
• 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet: A 2.5Gb Ethernet port Intel I225-V is standard, providing significantly faster wired network speeds than traditional Gigabit Ethernet, crucial for large file transfers, low-latency online gaming, and streaming high-bitrate content.

Software and Aesthetics: The ROG Ecosystem

Beyond raw hardware, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 experience is enhanced by a robust software suite and a distinctive aesthetic that appeals to enthusiasts.

Armory Crate and AI Suite 3

• Armory Crate: This centralized software hub manages everything from Aura Sync RGB lighting to system monitoring, driver updates, and game launches. It provides a user-friendly interface for customizing your system’s look and feel.
• AI Suite 3: This utility offers comprehensive system tuning capabilities, including 5-Way Optimization, which automatically overclocks your CPU and tunes fan curves based on system load and temperatures. It’s a powerful tool for optimizing performance without deep manual tweaking.
• GameFirst VI and Sonic Studio III: These applications enhance your gaming experience. GameFirst VI prioritizes network traffic for games, reducing lag, while Sonic Studio III provides advanced audio controls and virtual surround sound.

Aura Sync RGB Lighting

ASUS ROG Strix motherboards are known for their integrated Aura Sync RGB lighting, allowing users to customize the illumination on the board itself, as well as synchronize it with compatible peripherals and components like RAM, fans, and GPU backplates. This creates a cohesive and visually stunning PC build. The various lighting effects, from static colors to dynamic breathing and strobing, allow for deep personalization.

Distinctive ROG Strix Aesthetics

The ROG Strix Z790 boards feature a signature design with striking angles, metallic accents, and often a black or dark grey color scheme with subtle branding.

The integrated I/O shield and elaborate heatsinks contribute to a premium, high-performance look that stands out in any build.

Overclocking Potential and BIOS Features

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboards are built with overclocking in mind, offering a rich set of BIOS features and hardware optimizations to extract maximum performance from your CPU and memory. Travelmate-int.com Reviews

UEFI BIOS Interface

• EZ Mode and Advanced Mode: The UEFI BIOS offers both an intuitive EZ Mode for quick adjustments and an Advanced Mode for granular control over every system parameter.
• AI Overclocking: ASUS’s intelligent AI Overclocking technology analyzes your CPU and cooling system to predict optimal voltage and frequency settings. This can provide a significant performance boost with minimal effort, often resulting in 5-15% performance gains in multi-core benchmarks without manual tuning.
• Comprehensive Fan Control: The Q-Fan control within the BIOS allows for precise management of all connected fans, setting custom fan curves based on CPU, VRM, or other sensor temperatures.

Memory Overclocking DDR5

• AEMP II: ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II AEMP II uses a proprietary circuit design and firmware to unlock better DDR5 performance, even with non-XMP modules. It optimizes frequencies, timings, and voltages for maximum stability and speed.
• Extensive Timings Control: The BIOS provides detailed control over every memory timing, allowing experienced overclockers to fine-tune their DDR5 kits for the lowest possible latency and highest bandwidth. Some Strix Z790 boards can push DDR5 to frequencies exceeding 8000 MT/s with capable memory kits.

CPU Overclocking Tools

• Core Ratio and Voltage Control: Full manual control over CPU core ratios, ring ratio, and various voltage rails Vcore, VCCSA, VCCIA, VCCAUX allows for precise overclocking.
• Load-Line Calibration LLC: This crucial feature helps maintain stable CPU voltage under varying loads, preventing Vdroop during heavy computations and ensuring consistent performance.
• Power Limit Control: Users can adjust Intel’s power limits PL1, PL2, Tau to allow the CPU to sustain higher clock speeds for longer durations, crucial for benchmarks and demanding applications.

Compatibility and Future-Proofing Considerations

Investing in an ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboard is a significant decision, and understanding its compatibility and future-proofing aspects is key.

LGA 1700 Socket Compatibility

• Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen CPUs: The Z790 chipset utilizes the LGA 1700 socket, making it compatible with Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake, 13th Gen Raptor Lake, and 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh processors. This provides flexibility if you’re upgrading from an older system or planning a future CPU upgrade within the same socket generation.
• CPU Cooler Compatibility: While the socket is the same, some older CPU coolers might require a new mounting bracket for LGA 1700 due to changes in mounting hole spacing. Always check with your cooler manufacturer.

DDR5 Memory Exclusivity

• No DDR4 Support: Unlike some Z690 motherboards, Z790 boards universally support only DDR5 memory. This means if you’re upgrading from a DDR4 system, you’ll need to purchase new DDR5 RAM. While DDR5 was initially more expensive, prices have become competitive, and its performance advantages are undeniable.

PCIe 5.0 Readiness

• Forward Compatibility: While current consumer GPUs don’t fully saturate PCIe 4.0, the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot on Z790 boards positions your system for future graphics card generations that will undoubtedly leverage this increased bandwidth. This extends the longevity of your motherboard investment.
• NVMe SSD Growth: PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs are already on the market, offering incredible speeds. Having a dedicated PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot ensures you can utilize these drives for the fastest possible storage performance.

Software and Firmware Updates

• Continued Support: ASUS consistently provides BIOS updates and driver support for their Z790 motherboards, ensuring stability, compatibility with new hardware, and bug fixes. Regularly checking the ASUS support page for your specific model is recommended.
• Windows 11 Compatibility: The Z790 platform is fully compatible with Windows 11, including support for features like Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 which is integrated into modern Intel CPUs, making it a seamless transition for new builds or upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and Z790-F?

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E typically offers a more robust power delivery system, potentially more M.2 slots often including a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, and enhanced connectivity like more USB ports or higher-speed Wi-Fi e.g., Wi-Fi 6E vs. Wi-Fi 6. The Z790-F is a slightly scaled-down version, still high-end but with minor compromises to hit a lower price point.

Is the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A a good motherboard for gaming?

Yes, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi II is an excellent motherboard for gaming.

It provides strong power delivery, multiple M.2 slots, fast networking 2.5Gb Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E, and comprehensive cooling solutions, making it ideal for high-performance gaming rigs.

Does the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 support DDR4 RAM?

No, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboards exclusively support DDR5 RAM. Amorleta.com Reviews

If you have DDR4 memory, you will need to purchase new DDR5 modules for a Z790-based system.

Can I overclock my CPU on an ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboard?

Yes, ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboards are specifically designed for overclocking.

They feature robust power delivery systems, advanced thermal solutions, and comprehensive BIOS options including AI Overclocking to help you maximize your CPU’s performance.

How many M.2 slots does the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 typically have?

Most ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboards come with four to five M.2 slots. At least one of these slots usually supports the faster PCIe 5.0 standard, while the others support PCIe 4.0.

What generation of PCIe does the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 support?

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboards support PCI Express 5.0 PCIe 5.0 for the primary graphics card slot and at least one M.2 slot, offering double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0. Uemedia.se Reviews

Does the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 have Wi-Fi 6E?

Yes, most ASUS ROG Strix Z790 models, particularly the “Gaming WiFi” variants, include Intel Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed wireless connectivity, utilizing the less congested 6GHz band.

Is the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 compatible with Intel 14th Gen CPUs?

Yes, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboards are fully compatible with Intel’s 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs, often requiring a BIOS update for optimal compatibility.

What kind of USB ports does the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 offer?

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790 typically offers a range of USB ports, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-A and Type-C ports, and often a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps Type-C port for the fastest external storage.

Does the Z790 chipset support integrated graphics?

Yes, if your Intel CPU has integrated graphics e.g., non-“F” series CPUs, the Z790 chipset fully supports it, and most Z790 motherboards will include display outputs like HDMI or DisplayPort.

What is ASUS Aura Sync on the Z790 board?

ASUS Aura Sync is the integrated RGB lighting system on ROG Strix Z790 motherboards, allowing you to customize the onboard lighting effects and synchronize them with other Aura Sync-compatible components and peripherals for a cohesive aesthetic. Payment365.co.uk Reviews

Is the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 good for content creation?

Yes, its robust power delivery, high DDR5 memory support, multiple high-speed M.2 slots, and excellent connectivity make the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 series very well-suited for demanding content creation tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design.

What is AI Overclocking in the ASUS Z790 BIOS?

AI Overclocking is an intelligent feature in the ASUS Z790 BIOS that analyzes your CPU and cooling system to automatically recommend optimal voltage and frequency settings for a stable performance boost, simplifying the overclocking process.

How many fan headers does a typical ASUS ROG Strix Z790 board have?

A typical ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboard usually comes with 6 to 8 fan headers, including dedicated headers for CPU fans, AIO pumps, and chassis fans, offering extensive cooling control.

Does the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 support SLI/CrossFire?

While some older Z790 models might technically support multi-GPU configurations, official support for NVIDIA SLI has largely been discontinued by NVIDIA, and AMD’s CrossFire is also less emphasized.

The primary PCIe 5.0 slot is designed for a single powerful GPU. Remoplus.co Reviews

What is the maximum RAM capacity supported by ASUS ROG Strix Z790?

ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboards typically support up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM across four DIMM slots, allowing for ample memory for even the most demanding applications and multitasking.

Are the M.2 heatsinks necessary on the ASUS ROG Strix Z790?

Yes, M.2 heatsinks are necessary, especially for high-speed PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs.

These drives can generate significant heat under load, and the heatsinks help prevent thermal throttling, ensuring sustained peak performance.

What is the purpose of the ProCool II power connector on ASUS Z790 boards?

The ProCool II power connector is a proprietary ASUS design that uses solid pins to ensure a tighter contact with the PSU power lines, reducing impedance and improving heat dissipation for more stable and efficient power delivery to the CPU, especially during overclocking.

How do I update the BIOS on an ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboard?

You can update the BIOS on an ASUS ROG Strix Z790 motherboard using the EZ Flash 3 utility within the BIOS itself, or via the USB BIOS FlashBack™ feature, which allows you to update the BIOS without a CPU or RAM installed, using just a USB drive. Bellatshirt.it Reviews

Is the ASUS ROG Strix Z790 future-proof?

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790 series is considered highly future-proof due to its support for PCIe 5.0 for both GPUs and NVMe SSDs, DDR5 memory, and comprehensive high-speed connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet, positioning it well for upcoming component advancements.