Asus ROG Strix Z790-A GAMING WIFI Motherboard

Well-versed in style, performance, cooling, and connectivity, the DDR5 variant of the ROG Strix Z790-A exudes the same balance as its D4 brethren, but after taking a master class in memory. Built around the Intel Z790 chipset and the LGA-1700 socket, this ATX motherboard is engineered to unleash the full potential of 13th Gen Intel Core processors while delivering cutting-edge memory support and expansive connectivity. The DDR5 edition unlocks faster data transfer, higher bandwidth, and improved efficiency, empowering enthusiasts to push memory frequencies with reliability. With robust VRM cooling, M.2 Shield Frozr heat spreaders, and a broad suite of gaming-centric features, the Strix Z790-A Gaming WIFI is designed to keep pace with the most demanding titles and workloads without compromising stability or aesthetics. From the moment you unbox it, the striking signature ASUS design teams up with practical engineering to form a platform that looks as good as it performs, and updates through firmware keep it current with evolving game and software requirements.

• Power, cooling & stability for elite CPUs – The motherboard features a robust VRM arrangement topped with generous heatsinks to deliver clean, steady power to Intel’s latest processors. This design supports sustained gaming, streaming, and content creation by maintaining favorable thermal profiles and clock stability even when overclocking or pushing multi-core workloads. A well-planned thermal solution, including active heatsinks and heat-dissipating surfaces, keeps critical components cooler under load, reducing throttling and preserving performance over long sessions.

• DDR5 memory with PCIe 5.0 readiness – The DDR5 memory pathway provides higher bandwidth and better efficiency for modern gaming and productivity tasks. The Strix Z790-A Gaming WIFI makes memory tuning accessible to enthusiasts with user-friendly XMP profiles and automatic tuning options, helping you squeeze more performance from faster RAM kits without sacrificing stability. PCIe 5.0 readiness extends to both storage and graphics, so you can pair blazing-fast NVMe drives and next-generation GPUs for a truly modern system.

• Networking, wireless, and audio engineered for competitive play – Stay ahead with integrated high-speed connectivity: 2.5G Ethernet for low-latency wired networking and Wi‑Fi 6E (plus Bluetooth) for fast wireless performance and flexible installation scenarios. The ASUS ROG line also emphasizes high-fidelity audio through a SupremeFX solution, delivering immersive in-game soundscapes and clear voice communication, essential for competitive multiplayer and immersive media experiences alike.

• Storage, expansion, and cooling features that matter – Enjoy multiple M.2 slots with M.2 Shield Frozr to keep NVMe drives cool during heavy read/write workloads. The board supports several PCIe expansion options, including high-bandwidth lanes for future GPUs and storage devices. A thoughtfully laid-out chipset and PCIe lanes design makes cable management simpler, maximizing airflow and reducing thermal bottlenecks within your chassis.

• User-centric design and customization – A refined BIOS with AI-assisted controls, Fan Xpert cooling management, and Aura Sync RGB integration give you precise control over performance tuning and aesthetics. The rugged yet elegant Rimmed Strix aesthetic blends with practical features like easy BIOS updates, Q-Flash Plus, and a robust I/O shield, ensuring a smooth building experience from first power-on to post-build tuning.

Technical Details of Asus ROG Strix Z790-A GAMING WIFI

• Chipset: Intel Z790
• Socket: LGA 1700
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory: DDR5 support, four DIMM slots with support for high-speed profiles
• PCIe: PCIe 5.0 readiness for graphics and storage (with additional PCIe 4.x lanes for expansion)
• Storage: Multiple M.2 slots with integrated heat spreaders (M.2 Shield Frozr) and support for NVMe drives
• Networking: 2.5G Ethernet and Intel Wi‑Fi 6E (with Bluetooth connectivity)
• USB: USB connectivity including high-speed rear I/O, with front-panel USB options for easy access
• Audio: ROG SupremeFX or equivalent high-definition audio solution for clear, immersive sound
• RGB: Aura Sync lighting for customizable aesthetics across compatible peripherals
• Overclocking & utilities: Robust power delivery, AI-assisted tuning options, BIOS FlashBack/Q-Flash Plus support for easy firmware updates

How to Install Asus ROG Strix Z790-A GAMING WIFI

• Prepare your case and tools: Ensure your PC case supports an ATX motherboard and has a compatible IO shield position. Gather a screwdriver and ensure you have a clean workspace to avoid static damage.
• Install the I/O shield: Snap the pre-mounted I/O shield into the rear panel of the case to ensure proper alignment for rear ports and headers.
• Install the motherboard into the case: Align the screw holes with the case’s standoffs and secure the board using the provided screws. Do not overtighten; snug is sufficient to prevent warping.
• Install the CPU cooler and CPU: Open the CPU socket, align the processor with the LGA1700 socket, and secure it. Apply thermal paste if your cooler requires it and install the cooler according to its mounting hardware, ensuring even contact for optimal heat transfer.
• Install RAM: Insert DDR5 memory modules into the correct dual- or quad-channel slots as indicated by the motherboard’s manual. You should hear a click when the modules are fully seated and locked into the latches.
• Install storage drives: Place NVMe SSDs into the M.2 slots and secure with the screws. If your board includes M.2 Shield Frozr, ensure the heatsink is properly seated over the drive.
• Install the graphics card: Insert your GPU into the PCIe x16 slot, align with the case’s rear I/O opening, and secure with screws. Connect any necessary power cables from the power supply to the GPU.
• Power connections: Attach the 24-pin ATX power connector and the 8-pin (or 4+4) CPU power connector from the power supply to the motherboard. Connect additional chassis fans and any water-cooling pump headers as needed.
• Connect front panel and peripherals: Attach USB and audio headers from the case to the motherboard, and connect any front-panel power/reset buttons as directed by the motherboard manual.
• BIOS update and memory configuration: Power on and enter the BIOS to configure the memory XMP profile for DDR5, enabling the advertised speeds. If a BIOS update is needed, use USB BIOS FlashBack/Q-Flash Plus to apply the latest firmware without a bootable CPU.
• First boot and OS install: Save BIOS settings and boot to your preferred installation media to install the operating system. Once installed, install chipset drivers, audio drivers, LAN/Wi‑Fi drivers, and any motherboard utility software.

Frequently asked questions

• What CPUs does this motherboard support? It is designed for Intel 13th Gen Core processors in the LGA 1700 package, offering robust performance for gaming and productivity tasks.
• Does it support DDR5 RAM? Yes. The board is built to leverage DDR5 memory with high-speed profiles, delivering improved bandwidth and efficiency for modern applications and games.
• Is Wi-Fi 6E included? Yes. The motherboard includes integrated Wi‑Fi 6E with Bluetooth, providing fast wireless connectivity and broad compatibility with recent routers and peripherals.
• How many M.2 drives can I install? The Strix Z790-A Gaming WIFI provides multiple M.2 slots with heat-spreaders to enable fast NVMe storage for the OS, games, and data-heavy workloads.
• Can I overclock with this motherboard? The board offers robust VRM design and software-assisted tuning through AI Overclocking and BIOS controls, enabling stable overclocking to maximize performance while maintaining thermal safety margins.