Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero: ATX Gaming Motherboard with Intel Z790 Socket LGA-1700

The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is the flagship ATX motherboard designed for serious gamers and PC enthusiasts who demand elite performance, precise tuning, and pristine cable management. Built around the Intel Z790 chipset and LGA-1700 socket, this motherboard pairs cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 technology with a robust power design and a hidden-connector layout that keeps cables neatly tucked away for airflow efficiency and a clean build aesthetic. Whether you’re chasing record-breaking overclocks, flawless multi-GPU setups, or ultra-fast storage arrays, the Maximus Z790 Hero is engineered to deliver the reliability and control you need to push your rig to the limit. From the moment you unbox it, you’ll notice the premium components, refined engineering, and meticulous attention to detail that define ROG’s approach to elite gaming hardware.

The Maximus Z790 Hero isn’t just about raw speed; it’s about intelligent design that unlocks more consistent performance with less clutter. The hidden-connector design supports clean cable management, reducing clutter inside the chassis and enabling improved airflow. This translates into cooler operation under load, quieter thermals, and more stable performance when you’re running intensive workloads or pushing the system to extremes. The motherboard’s high-power slot is optimized for graphics cards that demand substantial current, helping to maintain stable voltage delivery to the GPU under heavy gaming or compute tasks. Together, these features create a calmer, more efficient foundation for a high-end gaming rig or productivity workstation that can take advantage of the most demanding components on the market.

• Premium power delivery for overclocking: The board features a strong 20+1+2 phase power design to supply clean, stable power to the CPU and memory. This includes high-current VRMs and smart thermal management to keep critical components cool during sustained loads, enabling higher overclock headroom and more consistent performance in modern multiplayer games, rendering tasks, and VR workloads.
• DDR5 support with AEMP II & DIMM Flex: Enjoy faster memory speeds and improved bandwidth with DDR5 support, optimized by AEMP II (Adaptive Memory Power) and DIMM Flex to improve memory training and stability. This leads to snappier system responsiveness, quicker application loading, and smoother multitasking when running memory-intensive titles or software suites.
• Five M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 NVMe onboard: The Maximus Z790 Hero provides five high-speed M.2 slots and a PCIe 5.0 NVMe slot onboard for ultra-fast storage arrays. You can configure multiple NVMe drives for rapid data access, rapid game level loading, and swift media workflows, while PCIe 5.0 ensures you’re ready for the next generation of solid-state drives and bandwidth-hungry applications.
• PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot with Q-Release slim: The PCIe 5.0 x16 slot uses SafeSlot technology for extra retention and durability, ensuring a secure GPU installation even in taller or heavier graphics cards. The Slim Q-Release mechanism makes it easy to install and remove GPUs without forceful maneuvers, reducing the risk of damage during upgrades or maintenance.
• Intel Wi-Fi and premium connectivity: Integrated Intel Wi‑Fi provides fast wireless networking for gaming, streaming, and downloads without needing a separate PCIe card. The board also supports robust wired networking options to minimize latency and maximize frame consistency in online play and data-heavy tasks.

Technical Details of Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

• Form Factor: ATX
• Chipset: Intel Z790
• Socket: LGA 1700
• Memory Support: DDR5 with AEMP II & DIMM Flex
• VRM Power Design: 20+1+2 phases for CPU, memory, and chipset power management with enhanced cooling
• PCIe Slots: PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot for GPUs, PCIe 5.0 NVMe slot onboard
• Storage: Five M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe storage configurations
• Networking: Intel Wi‑Fi integrated for wireless connectivity
• Cable Management: Hidden-connector design to keep cables away from critical components and improve airflow
• Build Quality: Premium components, robust heatsinks, and reinforced PCIe slots for durability

How to install Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

• Prepare your workspace with an anti-static mat and a clean, dry environment. Gather a compatible power supply, CPU, memory modules, storage drives, and your chosen cooling solution.
• Install the CPU into the LGA 1700 socket, aligning the notch on the CPU with the socket guide. Gently place the CPU and secure the socket lever as per the motherboard manual. Ensure the CPU is seated correctly before proceeding.
• Install memory modules into the DDR5 slots, following the CPU/memory compatibility guidelines. Use the recommended dual- or quad-channel configuration to maximize memory bandwidth and stability.
• Attach your M.2 NVMe drives to the five M.2 slots, using the appropriate heatsinks where provided. Secure each drive with its mounting screw and confirm that the drives are properly seated for optimal performance and cooling contact.
• Mount the motherboard in your case with the standoffs in the correct positions. Connect the 24-pin ATX power to the motherboard and the 8-pin (or 4+4) CPU power connector. Attach the GPU to the PCIe x16 SafeSlot, ensuring it’s firmly seated.
• Connect PCIe device power cables, chassis fans, and, if available, a dedicated fan or pump header for your cooling system. Use the hidden-connector design to route cables behind the motherboard tray for clean cable management and better airflow.
• Connect front panel USB, audio, and system status cables according to the motherboard’s labeled headers. Double-check all connections before powering on for the first time.
• Power up and enter the BIOS to configure XMP for memory, set boot priorities, and apply any preferred overclocking or performance profiles. Update the BIOS to the latest version if necessary to ensure maximum compatibility with the latest CPUs and memory kits.
• Install your operating system, drivers, and any desired utility software (e.g., Armory Crate) to monitor and tune performance. Take time to run stability tests and benchmark your system to verify that all components are functioning correctly and within safe thermal margins.

Frequently asked questions

• What CPUs are compatible with the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero? The motherboard uses the Intel Z790 chipset and Socket LGA-1700, compatible with 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors. For best results, pair with a recent Alder Lake or Raptor Lake CPU and enable the appropriate BIOS settings.
• How many M.2 slots does it have? The Maximus Z790 Hero provides five M.2 slots, enabling expansive high-speed storage configurations for fast games, modules, and data workloads.
• Does it support DDR5 memory? Yes. It supports DDR5 memory with AEMP II and DIMM Flex for improved stability, overclocking headroom, and efficient memory power management.
• Are PCIe 5.0 features included? Yes. The motherboard includes PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot for GPUs and a PCIe 5.0 NVMe onboard slot to leverage the latest high-speed storage devices.
• Is wireless connectivity available on this board? Yes. The board includes Intel Wi‑Fi, providing robust wireless networking options for gaming, streaming, and downloads without needing an extra PCIe card.
• What about cable management and cooling? The hidden-connector design helps keep cables tucked away and improves airflow, while high-quality heatsinks and VRMs keep power delivery cool under load for more stable performance.