The ASUS ROG Maximum Z790 Formula, geared for Intel’s 14th & 13th Gen Processors alongside 12th Gen, Pentium Gold, and Celeron Processors, is a top-tier motherboard. Not just visually stunning in its white aesthetics and EK-signed VRM heatsinks for custom liquid cooling, it boasts 5 M.2 slots, 3 PCIe slots, double Thunderbolt, 20+1 phase VRM, and Wi-Fi 7 among its standout features.
Underneath its striking appearance, the robust VRM cooling ensures optimal system temperatures even during intense usage. Enhanced DDR5 performance and multiple PCIe 5.0 slots guarantee a swift computing experience. The user-friendly Q-Design makes system assembly and upgrades hassle-free.
ASUS AI Overclocking takes performance tuning to the next level by profiling your CPU and cooling setup, suggesting optimal configurations for maximum performance. Embracing PCIe 5.0, this motherboard future-proofs your system with a fortified x16 expansion slot, equipped to handle the latest graphics cards effortlessly.
Specifications
| CPU | Intel Socket LGA1700 for Intel Core 14th & 13th Gen Processors, Intel Core 12th Gen, Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors Supports Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 |
| Chipset | Intel Z790 Chipset |
| Memory | 4 x DIMM slots, max. 192GB, DDR5 8000+(OC)/7800(OC)/7600(OC)/7400(OC)/7200(OC)/7000(OC)/6800(OC)/6600(OC)/6400(OC)/6200(OC)/6000(OC)/5800(OC)/5600/5400/5200/5000/4800 Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory Dual channel memory architecture Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory module ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II (AEMP II) Supports DIMM Flex |
| Graphics | 1x HDMI port 2x Intel Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB Type-C) support DisplayPort and Thunderbolt video outputs |
| Expansion Slots | Intel Core Processors (14th & 13th & 12th Gen) 2x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots (supports x16 or x8/x8 modes) Intel Z790 Chipset 1x PCIe 4.0 x4 slot |
| Storage | Supports 5 x M.2 slots and 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports Intel CoreTM Processors (14th & 13th & 12th Gen) M.2_1 slot (Key M), type 2242/2260/2280/22110 (supports PCIe 5.0 x4 mode) M.2_2 slot (Key M), type 2242/2260/2280 (supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode) Intel Z790 Chipset M.2_3 slot (Key M), type 2242/2260/2280 (supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode) M.2_4 slot (Key M), type 2280 (supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode) M.2_5 slot (Key M), type 2280 (supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode) 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports |
| Ethernet | 1x Realtek 5Gb Ethernet ASUS LANGuard |
| Wireless Connectivity | Intel Wi-Fi 7 2×2 Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) Supports 2.4/5/6GHz frequency band Support Wi-Fi 7 320MHz bandwidth, up to 5.76Gbps transfer rate. Bluetooth v5.4 |
| USB | Rear USB (Total 12 ports) 2 x Thunderbolt 4 ports (2 x USB Type-C) 6 x USB 10Gbps ports (5 x Type-A + 1 x USB Type-C) 4 x USB 5Gbps ports (4 x Type-A) Front USB (Total 9 ports) 1 x USB 20Gbps connector (supports USB Type-C with up to 60W PD/QC4+) 2 x USB 5Gbps headers support 4 additional USB 5Gbps ports 2 x USB 2.0 headers support 4 additional USB 2.0 ports |
| Audio | ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4082 – Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs – Supports: Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel MIC Jack-retasking – High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 110 dB SNR recording input – Supports up to 32-Bit/384 kHz playback on front panel Audio Features – SupremeFX Shielding Technology – ESS ES9218 QUAD DAC – Gold-plated audio jacks – Rear optical S/PDIF out port – Premium audio capacitors |
| Back Panel I/O Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 USB Type-C ports 6 x USB 10Gbps ports (5 x Type-A + 1 x USB Type-C) 4 x USB 5Gbps ports (4 x Type-A) 1 x HDMI port 1 x Wi-Fi module 1 x Realtek 5Gb Ethernet port 5 x Gold-plated audio jacks 1 x Optical S/PDIF out port 1 x BIOS FlashBack button 1 x Clear CMOS button |
| Internal I/O Connectors | Fan and Cooling Related 1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header 1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan header 1 x 4-pin AIO Pump header 4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan headers 1 x W_PUMP+ header 1 x 2-pin Water In header 1 x 2-pin Water Out header 1 x 3-pin Water Flow header Power Related 1 x 24-pin main power connector 2 x 8-pin +12V power connectors 1 x 8-pin PCIe power connector Storage Related 5 x M.2 slots (Key M) 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports USB 1 x USB 20Gbps connector (supports USB Type-C ) 2 x USB 5Gbps headers support 4 additional USB 5Gbps ports 2 x USB 2.0 headers support 4 additional USB 2.0 ports Miscellaneous 3 x Addressable Gen 2 headers 1 x Alteration PCIe mode switch 1 x Aura RGB header 1 x CPU over voltage jumper 1 x FlexKey button 1 x Front panel audio header (F_AUDIO) 1 x ReTry button 1 x Start button 1 x 10-1 pin system panel header 1 x Thermal sensor header |
| Special Features | Extreme OC Kit – FlexKey button – ReTry button – Start button Extreme Engine Digi+ – 10K Black metallic capacitors – MicroFine alloy choke ASUS Q-Design – M.2 Q-Latch – PCIe Slot Q-Release – Q-Antenna – Q-Code – Q-Connector – Q-DIMM – Q-LED (CPU [red], DRAM [yellow], VGA [white], Boot Device [yellow green]) – Q-Slot ASUS Thermal Solution – HybridChill VRM block – M.2 heatsink backplate – M.2 heatsink – Metal backplate – VRM heatsink design ASUS EZ DIY – BIOS FlashBack button – Clear CMOS button – CPU Socket lever protector – ProCool II – Pre-mounted I/O shield – SafeSlot – SafeDIMM Aura Sync – Aura RGB header – Addressable Gen 2 headers OLED 2″ Front Panel USB 20Gbps with Quick Charge 4+ Support – Support: up to 60W fast charging and USB Wattage Watcher – Output: 5/9/15/20V max. 3A, PPS:3.3–21V max. 3A – Compatible with PD3.0 and PPS |
| Bios | 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS |
| Form Factor | ATX Form Factor 12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm ) |
View full specifications here.
Packaging
The ASUS ROG Maximum Z790 Formula comes in a Republic of Gamers branded cardboard packaging but distinguished by the white cardboard box in contrast to the rest of the black and red ROG series. The motherboard and accessories are safely protected in compartments. The packaging includes:
- ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming Wi-Fi II motherboard
- 1 x ARGB RGB extension cable
- 2 x ROG weave SATA 6G cables
- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s cables
- 1 x DDR5 fan holder
- 1 x Thermal pad for M.2
- 1 x ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna
- 1 x Q-connector
- 3 x M.2 backplate Q-Latch packages
- 1 x ROG key chain
- 1 x ROG stickers
- 1 x ROG VIP card
- 1 x M.2 rubber package
- 3 x M.2 backplate rubber packages
- 1 x USB drive with utilities and drivers
- 1 x Quick start guide
Design & Features
The ASUS ROG Maximum Z790 Formula impresses with its striking white design and distinct features. It sports RGB zones and an OLED status screen, while its VRM cooling blocks signed by EK, along with support for custom liquid cooling, set it apart. The M.2 slot features an aluminum heatsink and a 2-inch OLED screen for real-time telemetry and Debug LED codes.
Reinforced PCIe slots, an aluminum plate for PCIe cooling, and a chipset-cooling aluminum block highlight the board’s design. Technical highlights include a sound card protection cover, straight SATA port panel orientation, and robust RGB support via headers and Asus software.
With a robust back cover providing electrical insulation and thermal pads cooling the VRM zones, this board boasts a 20-phase Vcore VRM and support for Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors. It utilizes 28 lanes (20 PCIe 4.0 and 8 PCIe 3.0) for a total of 48 lanes when combined with CPU lanes. Memory capacity can reach up to 192 GB DDR5 at speeds of up to 8000 MHz in Dual Channel, supporting Intel XMP 3.0 profiles.
Featuring 3 expansion slots, 5 M.2 slots, and 4 SATA III ports supporting RAID configurations, this board maximizes space in the ATX format, prioritizing NVMe slots over SATA for storage configurations.
Audio & Connectivity
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula introduces notable updates in network connectivity, essential for distinguishing itself from the previous Z790. It features a Realtek RTL8126 chip for a 5 Gbps wired LAN connection.
Moreover, the board boasts an upgraded Intel Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth 5.4, adhering to the IEEE 802.11be standard. This enhancement enables tri-band capability across 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz frequencies, reaching speeds of up to 5.8 Gbps.
In terms of audio, the board hosts a top-tier ROG SupremeFX ALC4082 codec, supporting high-definition sound at 32 bits/384 kHz, with 120 dB SNR on stereo output and 113 dB SNR on input. It includes features like automatic connection detection, multi-streaming, and variable impedance for headphones. Additionally, it integrates an ESS SABRE9218PQ QUAD DAC dedicated to the front panel.
Rear connectivity mirrors that of the ROG Z790 Hero model, leveraging Thunderbolt ports controlled by an Intel JHL8540 chip, making it a high-performance configuration utilizing all available platform lanes.
Software
AI COOLING II: Easily achieve the ideal balance between temperature control and sound levels with a single click. ASUS’s algorithm swiftly tests and adapts fan speeds based on CPU temperatures, ensuring peak performance while minimizing unnecessary noise.
TWO-WAY AI NOISE CANCELATION: Utilize a vast deep-learning database to eliminate over 5 million types of background noise from both incoming and outgoing audio. Enjoy crystal-clear communication in gaming sessions or calls.
GAME FIRST: Integrated into Armoury Crate, GameFirst optimizes network performance by intelligently allocating bandwidth for various applications, now with dedicated support for NVIDIA GeForce NOW, ensuring minimal latency during intense game streaming and cloud gaming sessions.
UEFI BIOS: The comprehensive ROG UEFI BIOS suite simplifies system configuration for beginners while offering advanced tweaking options for seasoned users.
AI Suite 3: Enhance CPU performance and maintain system stability with the intuitive controls offered by AI Suite 3.
Armoury Crate: Streamline system customization with Armoury Crate, enabling easy customization of RGB lighting and effects for compatible devices, synchronized through Aura Sync. Its Fan Xpert4 tool provides comprehensive control over fans, water pumps, and AIO coolers.
Sonic Studio: Enjoy an immersive audio experience with Sonic Studio’s HRTF-based virtual surround for headsets. Tailor acoustics with various EQ options and presets to suit personal preferences or headset characteristics.
DTS Sound Unbound: Pre-loaded with the DTS Sound Unbound app, the motherboard delivers rich audio with an immersive 3D soundscape, enhancing spatial sound technology for pinpoint audio in your virtual environment.
Conclusion
In terms of capacity and connectivity, the ASUS ROG Maximum Z790 Formula stands out as one of the most robust boards available. Utilizing all chipset and CPU resources, it offers 5 M.2 slots (including one 5.0), three PCIe slots (two 5.0), dual Thunderbolt 4, a total of 12 USB ports with 6 additional front ports, 60W fast charging for USB-C, and Wi-Fi 7, setting a new standard for high-end connectivity. The forthcoming Dark Hero version will maintain these capabilities.
This board’s exclusivity shines through details tailored for advanced users and enthusiasts—features like the integrated OLED screen, surface RGB, and insulating rear cover. The BIOS stands out with exceptional voltage management, allowing for fine-tuning even beyond stock voltages to optimize temperatures. It emerges as an excellent choice for building a custom system, balancing performance, power, and aesthetics seamlessly.
