Full ASUS Z790 Motherboard Refresh Line Up Overview & AMA - For Next Gen Intel Processors

Join us for a deep dive livestream on the latest ASUS Z790 motherboards designed for the latest generation of Intel desktop CPUs.
Featuring the latest specifications like PCIe Gen 5, DDR5, PCIe NVMe Gen 5*/Gen 4 M.2 SSD support, USB 3.2, Thunderbolt 4* as well as Wi-Fi 6e, Wi-Fi 7* & 2.5Gbps networking. These boards will offer gamers, creators, and professionals, as well as hybrid users, a reliable and performant foundation for their PC build.
Beyond traditional specifications, these motherboards also feature ASUS’s class-leading features and aesthetic design. We will highlight features and design implementations like AiOC, AiCooling, and ASUS Q-Design and showcase our premium design aesthetic.
Wondering about the differences between TUF GAMING, ROG STRIX, and ROG MAXIMUS? We have you covered all this, and more will be covered in this stream, helping you to make the best choice for your use case and budget.
Links for reference
TUF GAMING Z790-PRO WIFI
www.asus.com/us/motherboards-...
ROG STRIX Z790-A GAMING WIFI II
rog.asus.com/us/motherboards/...
ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WiFi II
rog.asus.com/us/motherboards/...
ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WiFI II
rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog...
ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO
rog.asus.com/us/motherboards/...
ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE
rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog...
ROG MAXIMUS Z790 FORMULA
rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog...
ASUS Socket 1700 motherboards UEFI BIOS update website -
www.asus.com/microsite/mother...
Have any questions regarding motherboards, which cooler or graphics card to pair in your build, or any other build a pc related questions? Join our ASUS PCDIY group for community insight and perspective.
ASUS PCDIY Group -
/ asuspcdiy
#Z790 #buildapc

[@JYMBO]

Great Stream, JJ is very Informative & helpful as usual, I Was waiting for the Apex refresh but now that i have been taken through every offering in detail i think the right one for me is the Dark Hero

[@ASUSUSA]

Great to hear! Thanks for keeping ASUS in mind and being #TeamROG and #TeamMAXIMUS best of luck with your build!

[@icyvolts]

Why what was the detail that led you to change from apex to dark hero

[@JYMBO]

I Won't be overclocking my system or "tinkering" a whole lot if at all so some of the features you are paying for are mostly lost on me, you can use it as a regular board of course but the reason i was holding out waiting for it to release was based on aesthetics, which it in my opinion also looks way worse than last years apex xD i just wanted a black version of that, not in love with how this one looks, the dark hero looks way better, but the formula would have been the instant buy if it was black though lol @@icyvolts

[@yooanto9465]

I'll buy Gigabytes z790 master x this time With 10 gb ethernet and many USB. Asus Z790 hero use the bad 2.5gb Intel Ethernet 1226v which had issue dropping internet speed causing stuttering in all online games. I still couldn't find fix.

[@ingemarzarate7971]

that new slot configuration or alignment of the m.2 on the TUF was brilliant

[@ASUSUSA]

Thanks for the feedback. #TeamTUFgaming

[@GPStuntMan]

I owned the Z170 Formula VIII. Ran it for 3 years on air only. MSRP $400. I loved the aesthetics of the front full cover shroud and backplate. The only thing was Aura sync did not exist yet. After upgrading to Z390, I sold it to a buyer from Australia for $400! It was an awesome sale! Got 100% of my money back!

[@ASUSUSA]

Thanks for being #TeamROG and #TeamMAXIMUS

[@paidattention9628]

I am looking for borad for best single gaming/streaming PC, what setup do you recommend? quick sync is important but also the 2 dim ram.

[@md.sabbirahmed9743]

Hi nice informative video. Is there any plan to refresh the ProArt z790-Creator Wifi ii version? Thanks.

[@ChrisDaytrader]

Loved this video, JJ explains everything so well as usual, few months back a bought the Asus ROG Strix Z790-H Gaming WIFI, love the board, will there not be a refresh of this board in future ? thx

[@ASUSUSA]

Thanks for checking out the stream, no plans to refresh the -H our refresh models for the ROG STRIX series are as noted -E, -F, -A. Best of luck with your build, thanks for being #TeamROG and #TeamSTRIX

[@ChrisDaytrader]

Thx for reply.@@ASUSUSA

[@BoredErica]

JJ, it'd be nice if the mic has some kind of a shock mount. My subwoofer rumbles when you move stuff on the desk.

[@ASUSUSA]

Thanks for the feedback, will try to be mindful of this in the future. Thanks for watching the stream.

[@shadowr2d2]

@@ASUSUSA- Question speaking of the microphone 🎙️. Do you guys sale that microphone 🎙️. I will say it’s a cool 😎 looking microphone 🎙️.

[@Kindachi08]

Understanding the design changed on the Formula VRM block, does it retain compatibility with Z690 bridges based on port location relative to CPU socket?

[@ASUSUSA]

You can confirm compatibility with EK as the bridge is their product. Thanks!

[@Rashimotosan]

Can you explain the pcie lane distribution when you have a gen 4 ssd in the top slot? Does GPU still lose lanes?

[@ASUSUSA]

As noted in the intro portion of our stream the CPU provides the PCIe lanes for your graphics card ( 16 ) and also provide 4 lanes PCIe Gen 4 for a primary PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD. All boards can run this configuration. As also noted though in the video if you use enough slots or use PCIe Gen 5 M.2 SSD and drop to x8 PCIe Gen 4 for your graphics it will not negatively affect performance overall.

[@dipro369]

When ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI II will be available?

[@ASUSUSA]

You can expect availability within the next 7 to 14 days depending on the etailer/retailer.

[@MisterSixty]

*Thank you for the video!* Are there any plans to incorporate 10g nics in future MBs? I have 10g in my home network. This brings up another problem - slot layout. The new graphics card can cover 1-2 slots rendering them completely useless. I also use a sound card. I'm probably in the minority of users who still are dependent on using internal devices requiring slots as opposed to having external devices on the desktop. Isn't it time to redesign MBs/cases to spread out the slots to accommodate the new wide graphics cards so they don't cover the slots? I'm probably in the minority of users who still use tower cases because I like to put as much as I can inside the case without clutter and they are better for heat dissipation. I have never liked mid size cases for these reasons. I'm looking at the Prime P MB because it looks like the only option that can give me the connectivity I need. I'd like a Strix but alas...

[@Dr_b_]

agree with you on the lack of slots, lack of PCIe lanes in general which is a CPU and intel limitation, but the board layouts are bad.

[@ASUSUSA]

All the boards allow for card expansion even with large graphics cards ( as shown in the video, including models like the entry TUF GAMING, which can maintain M.2 slot and PCIe slot access with cards like our 4070 or even 4090. We also offer compact models for graphics cards all the way up to a 4080 ( maxing out to 2.5 slot spacing ), readily allowing you multiple PCIe slots for card upgrades. We offer 10G on existing models like our ProArt and our previous EXTREME model, which is now EOL. We also maintain offering 10G add-in cards, but as a whole, 10G is still an emerging specification relative to adoption, and we track this closely with the adoption of our routing solution, which also offers multi-gig-specification support, including 10G.

[@MisterSixty]

​ The layout of the MBs are all over the place. Absolutely no consistency in slot layouts from mb to mb. There are those of us who are not gaming enthusiasts and have a need for >1 pci-e slots. The ProArt is expensive and only has three slots! And it's the only mb that has a 10g nic! 10g is here. 3-slot wide graphics cards are here. These are issues that are not exclusive to Asus - literally all mb manufacturers suffer from these mish-mash mb layouts. I just want more a consistent, uniform layout without having the need for risers, etc. The mb/cases are so cramped and the pc builder just accept it. My OLD Asus P8Z77-V Pro Thunderbolt is played out excellently for all the expansion I needed! I just added an expansion card for an NVM-E drive. It's still a viable mb but I've expanded as far as it can go. I have two SSDs, and four hard drives and a Blu-ray drive in that full tower (thanks to another expansion card), and a sound card AND a 10g nic. The built-in nic & sound card = obsolete! I need to replace that particular build this month and as I said, the ONLY mb that has what I need is a Prime. Come on, Asus, you're letting me down (as well as the other mb manufacturers).

[@Dr_b_]

@@MisterSixty Agree with this, the focus is on m.2 slots at the expense of PCIe slots. All for having M.2 slots, they are great, but there is a trade off, that means fewer PCIe. PCIe slots are much more useful since you get to decide what goes in it, an AIC of whatever you want, including a M.2, and it wasn't decided for you by the mobo manufacturer.

[@MisterSixty]

@@Dr_b_ Yes, you are right. The Z790-P will have to work for my next build; I'm going to have to get the USB equivalent devices for my needs cluttering up my desktop for other builds. I'm a dying breed of builders!

[@ssj4ever203]

When is the 2nd live stream happening?!?!

[@ASUSUSA]

Next week, stay tuned!

[@shadowr2d2]

Same Bat 🦇 time ⏰, Same Bat 🦇 channel.

[@GPStuntMan]

I wish the apex had the ROG eye with RGB illumination.

[@ASUSUSA]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@singularafk]

The new boards look really luxurious, but I have 3 questions. First I would like to ask why they stopped producing the z790 extreme and why there is no refresh version of it? The second thing I would like to ask about ASUS secure eras. I have a samsung 990 pro ssd and i was wondering about compatibility? I couldn't find a compatibility list anywhere except for a really really old one and I'm wondering if it could damage the ssd. And the third question I would have is what is the difference on a desktop computer in windows 11 between power plan and power mode settings and what would you recommend for optimal functioning of an Intel processor for example with Ai overclock feature? If it will work well or better with high performance or is the best balance. Thank you very much for the answers JJ.

[@LBH91]

You sir first need to up grade your ssd to the crucial t700

[@SgtCreepyGaming]

So when are these available to purchase?

[@ASUSUSA]

The TUF GAMING, ROG STRIX Z790-A II, ROG MAXIMUS DARK HERO are already available and the other boards should be online in the next week to week and a half.

[@eeeo2196]

I’m lost, what are the key differences between dark hero and apex encore? i wanna get the best of them but dunno what are the key differences other than memory speed .. i mostly care about lowest input lag possible I have i9 14900k and hero maximus but i wanna upgrade it to something way better so I don’t wanna go for dark hero so if apex encore and/or formula is better then i’ll go for it

[@ASUSUSA]

This is noted in the stream, you may want to rewatch but the APEX Is a 2 DIMM board vs a 4DIMM board and will yield higher and more stable ultra high DDR5 operation. If you are targeting values like 7200 and below you are fine and even higher is possible on the HERO. For most users the DARK HERO is the better choice but if the APEX also has items like the DIMM.2 add in card which can add convivence. You have look at items like total io connectivity as one of the key area where there are differences and whether those are important to you. From a performance perspective DARK HERO, APEX ENCORE and FORMULA will all be the same and even other board like the ROG STRIX Z790-E and others will offer essentially the same performance. If you already have a Z790 MAXIMUS HERO there is little reason to upgrade unless you specifically want items like DIMM FLEX, WiFI 7, Native PCIe Gen 5 and more M.2 SSD slots. If you have more questions join our ASUS PCDIY group.

[@eeeo2196]

@@ASUSUSA yea I don’t use 4 DIMM RAM so i think i made up my mind! I would wanna go for the Apex one! I do wonder tho, i have a 7200Mhz 2x 16gb DDR5 CL34 .. will i be able to to OC it to 8000+ ? Unless if i need new set of higher speed to hit those speeds? Cuz that’s my target speed Looking forward to OC stream and thank you for your response! 🙏

[@svp2864]

Is new ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II compatible with ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II? Previous version was incompatible which is very unfortunate.

[@svp2864]

The way ASUS treating their customers while selling seriously overpriced motherboards is puzzling. After being boycotted recently for AM5 fiasco handling by all reputable hardware reviewers no effort has been made to make "newer and better" motherboards compatible with the best AIO on the market? Doesn't ASUS know that their expensive motherboards aren't compatible with certain highly reputable AIO and air coolers? I've been using ASUS motherboards for all custom builds since late 90's but now switching to MSI.

[@InfiniteVideoMedia]

Will there be a new ProArt Z790 motherboard? and if so when can we expect it to be released?

[@ASUSUSA]

No, the PROART Z790 CREATOR is fully compatible with 14th Gen you just need to update the UEFI BIOS and MEI firmware.

[@markmorreau1997]

@@ASUSUSA Aren't you going to produce a version with PCIe5 for the M2 slot??!!

[@professorium]

What is EXPO Tweaked on ASUS Motherboards shoul i choose EXPO I or EXPO Tweaked for higher performance?

[@ASUSUSA]

Further optimized tuning for DRAM timings, you can use whatever profile works best for you relative to stability and performance for most users they will use EXPO II ( which is an overclocking profile ) compared to standard AMD POR table operating parameters.

[@user-yq5od9uj3f]

For creators, will these boards finally allow us to use 4x48gb=192gb ram? Thanks

[@ASUSUSA]

This is already possible but keep in mind that Intel's POR table will reduce scaling based on RANK and DENSITY of your memory for 2SPC/2DPC dual rank you will have the lowest OC range so you should expect to target conservative DRAM dividers. This means 3600-4800MT+ depending on the kit of memory, higher may be possible but is going to be dependent on the quality of your IMC ( memory controller ). Also keep in mind that most kits sold are not native 4 DIMM kits so you can run into issues with the profile of kits tuned for 2 DIMMS being applied to 4 DIMMs. To reduce this consider a native 4 DIMM kit and also keep in mind you may need to manually define/drop the memory divider.

[@user-yq5od9uj3f]

@@ASUSUSA Are there any four dimm kits you know are native and will work? I'm more interested in the amount of ram, the 192gb, than the speed. Thanks.

[@SabeameFantasy]

Just bought Z790 Apex Encore to replace my Gigabyte Aorus Xtreme Z390 Motherboard.

[@superheracross89]

Was the formula vrm still made by ekwb

[@thepopeofkeke]

negative. Different design, I believe he said it was done in house and that was the reason it did not have the EK logo on the VRMs

[@ASUSUSA]

Correct we are still partners with EK and you can find blocks for a wide range of our products including monoblock and GPU waterblocks.

[@simont7045]

@@ASUSUSA Would love if you also made something for the Apex series together with EKWB :)

[@monacocross4241]

scrap this tuf motherboard , PUT VIDEO CARD CLOSE ALL PCIE CIONECTOR ASUS NOT HAVE BRAIN

[@SLSAMG]

A plastic facade and plastering RGBs everywhere doesn't justify the brazen, shameless highway robbery going on in this industry right now. Higher power stages are the only criteria that should justify a higher price; even then, I'd wager the outcome would be negligible in the grand scheme of things. Today's boards are packed with unnecessary fluff and RGB puke. You're shilling products under the guise of "higher quality components" when in reality, it's pure propaganda. Perhaps these companies need a harsh reminder that no brand is too big to fail. Mobos costing more than flagship CPUs... I have seen it all now.

[@ASUSUSA]

Thanks for your feedback. You may find value in watching more of the stream with deeper insights into the totality of what we offer in regard to overall design, features and functions and specification support. VRM components are just one element of BOM cost on a product; there a numerous hardware-based items that add cost and complexity to high-end boards. Some of these include Advanced signal design requirements, this means needing higher PCB layer counts ( 8 vs 4 ) commonly in the past, you would see 4 and 6 layers with 1 oz of copper. High-end boards see 8 layers with 2 oz and have also shifted to higher quality SMT production and low loss PCB. Beyond that, you have redrivers and other elements for items like PCIe Gen 4 / Gen 5 Dual contact heatsinks for M.2 SSDs Higher performing and more costly network controller 2.5GBps, 5Gbps, 10Gbps, WiFi 7 Larger EPROM for the UEFI BIOS ( 4x larger than in the past ) Most of the boards offer minimal RGB elements and while you may not find value in them the vast majority of our users do communicate they appreciate aesthetic design. With this noted, should you not want RGB, we have boards like PRIME and PROART and WS which have none although TUF GAMING, ROG STRIX and ROG MAXIMUS have minimal RGB lighting zones ( 1 zone ) SHould you just want a solid board with good specs, solid power delivery and nonenthusiast niche functions or features then a TUF GAMING Z790 PRO or PLUS is a great option you should consider or even B series which is lower in cost.