Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula – Premium Intel Z790 ATX Motherboard for Extreme Gaming

The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula is a flagship performance board built for serious gamers, overclocking enthusiasts, and content creators who demand uncompromising stability and blazing speeds. Designed around the Intel Z790 chipset with an LGA 1700 socket, this ATX motherboard fuses a robust 20+1+2 power phase design, advanced DDR5 memory support, and premium I/O to deliver peak performance in every scenario. From multi-PCIe 5.0 NVMe storage to fast networking and versatile USB connectivity, the Maximus Z790 Formula stands at the pinnacle of ROG engineering, blending elite hardware with striking aesthetics and intuitive software controls. Whether you’re pushing RAM overclocks, squeezing every frame from a high-end GPU, or building a silent, thermally optimized rig, this motherboard is engineered to elevate your system to the top tier of competitive and enthusiast gaming.

• Unmatched power delivery for overclocking: A serious 20+1+2 power stage arrangement, wrapped in a sophisticated cooling solution, ensures stable VRM operation under demanding workloads and aggressive CPU tuning. The board provides headroom for extreme Turbo boosts while maintaining safe temperatures and reliable long-term performance.
• DDR5 memory with advanced tuning: Supports high-speed DDR5 memory with features like AEMP II and DIMM Flex, enabling smarter memory profiles, tighter timings, and better stability across demanding applications, games, and content-creation workloads.
• Elite connectivity for modern rigs: Enjoy Intel Wi‑Fi 7 with the ASUS WiFi Q‑Antenna for strong, low-latency wireless performance, plus multi‑port USB connectivity and front‑panel USB 20Gbps Type‑C for rapid transfers and seamless peripheral integration.
• Massive storage and expansion: Five onboard M.2 slots and a PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot provide abundant, ultra-fast storage and graphics expansion capabilities, giving you ample room for a fast OS drive, multiple game libraries, and scratch/storage tasks.
• Premium build quality with responsive design: The Maximus Z790 Formula features PCIe Slot Q‑Release for easy add-in cards, durable PCIe 5.0 NVMe support, robust cooling, and the signature ROG aesthetic with Aura Sync compatibility to personalize your rig’s look and lighting effects.

Technical Details of Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula

• Chipset: Intel Z790
• CPU Socket: LGA 1700
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory: DDR5 with AEMP II and DIMM Flex support
• Memory Channels: Dual channel
• PCIe Slots: PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot with Q‑Release for easy upgrade and maintenance
• Storage: Five M.2 slots onboard with PCIe 5.0 NVMe compatibility
• Networking: Intel Wi‑Fi 7 with ASUS WiFi Q‑Antenna; high-speed wireless connectivity
• USB Connectivity: Front-panel USB 20Gbps Type‑C support, plus additional rear/board USB ports
• Power Design: 20+1+2 phase VRM for stable, wide-range overclocking
• Cooling: Comprehensive cooling solution for VRMs and M.2 drives, designed to maintain performance under load
• Expansion Features: PCIe Slot Q‑Release, Aura Sync RGB lighting, and robust build quality for long-term reliability

how to install Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula

Preparing your system for the Maximus Z790 Formula begins with a clean workspace and static-free handling. Ground yourself, organize your screws and standoffs, and have a reliable power supply ready. Before you start, verify your case clearance and cable routing to ensure optimal airflow and ease of assembly. This board is designed for enthusiasts, so take your time to plan the layout for cables, fans, and storage devices to achieve a clean build with minimal thermal performance impact.

• Step 1 – Prepare the case and power supply: Place the motherboard tray in the case and install the standoffs in the correct positions. Ensure the 24-pin ATX and 8-pin (or 8+4) CPU power connectors have enough clearance to avoid bending cables. Route power cables to the edge of the board for a tidy build and better airflow.
• Step 2 – Install the CPU and memory: Open the LGA 1700 socket mechanism, align the CPU with the corner marker, and seat it firmly. Close the socket lever. Install DDR5 modules into the recommended DIMM slots for optimal performance, following the motherboard’s memory QVL and your CPU’s supported speeds. Ensure memory modules are fully seated and latched.
• Step 3 – Mount M.2 storage and PCIe devices: Insert your NVMe SSDs into the five onboard M.2 slots, using mounting screws as needed. If you are using additional PCIe devices, slot them into the provided PCIe x16 and other expansion slots, ensuring the cards are secured with screws and the rear slots are aligned correctly.
• Step 4 – Attach cooling and fans: Install VRM and M.2 cooling solutions as provided or recommended by ASUS. Connect all fans to the correct headers, typically labeled CHA_FAN, CPU_FAN, and optional AIO pump headers. Ensure cables are routed away from the GPU and fans to prevent noise and airflow obstruction.
• Step 5 – Connect front panel, USB, and network: Attach the front-panel USB 20Gbps Type‑C connector, audio header, and USB 2.0/3.x headers according to the user manual. Connect the Wi‑Fi antenna (for wireless networking) and any Thunderbolt or USB devices you plan to use. Verify that the 24-pin, 8-pin, and any auxiliary power connections are secure.
• Step 6 – BIOS setup and testing: Power on, enter the BIOS, and configure essential settings. Enable XMP profiles for memory if desired, set boot order, and check temperature readings during initial fan tests. Use the EZ Flash utility to update the BIOS if needed and ensure your system recognizes all M.2 drives and GPUs.

Frequently asked questions

• What makes the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula different from other Z790 boards? It combines a premium 20+1+2 phase VRM design, advanced DDR5 support with AEMP II, five M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 connectivity, and Wi‑Fi 7 with a robust cooling solution. The inclusion of PCIe Slot Q‑Release and SafeSlot engineering ensures easy maintenance, high durability, and future-proof expansion for top-tier gaming rigs and heavy workloads.
• Does this motherboard support DDR5 memory natively, and how far can you push it? Yes, it natively supports DDR5 memory with advanced overclocking features. With the board’s power delivery and cooling, you can achieve stable overclocked memory configurations beyond base specs, depending on the memory kit quality and CPU cooling capability.
• How many PCIe slots and M.2 drives can I use? The Maximus Z790 Formula offers five onboard M.2 slots and a PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot, providing substantial storage expansion and robust GPU bandwidth for multi-GPU setups and high-speed drives.
• What networking options are included? It includes Intel Wi‑Fi 7 with the ASUS WiFi Q‑Antenna, delivering high-speed wireless connectivity, along with multiple USB paths and Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast peripheral connections.
• Is assembly and BIOS configuration easy for beginners? While this is a high-end motherboard designed for enthusiasts, the board ships with clear manuals and guided BIOS options. Users new to BIOS setup should rely on the EZ Flash utility and the Q‑Release features, follow recommended memory profiles, and enable standard power and cooling configurations to ensure a smooth initial boot.