Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero review: High-end features for next-gen CPUs
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The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a high-end motherboard that offers great features for both gamers and content creators. It has excellent I/O, M.2 drive options, and USB ports, as well as an attractive design and robust build quality. While it lacks 10GbE networking, it is still a fantastic next-gen motherboard with a relatively affordable price tag. Overall, it appeals to a wide audience and is a great choice for those looking for a high-end, premium-feeling motherboard.
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero Motherboard Review
www.tweaktown.com
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero motherboard is a top performer with features like DDR5/PCIe 5.0, Thunderbolt 4, and WiFi6e. It has a 20+1 power design, support for 12th and 13th Gen CPUs, and up to 192GB of DDR5 memory. The motherboard offers three PCIe x16 slots, five m.2 slots, and six SATA ports. It also has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, HDMI, 2.5Gbe, and WiFi6e. The BIOS is user-friendly, and the motherboard performs well in benchmarks. However, the high price may deter some buyers, especially when compared to similar offerings from other brands.
ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO BTF
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The ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO BTF motherboard features 8 + 8-pin ProCool II power connectors for a secure connection to the EPS 12V power lines. It has a VRM with 20+1+2 power stages, each capable of handling up to 90 amps. The power stages are supported by high-permeability alloy-core chokes rated at 45 amps and solid-polymer capacitors that can last for thousands of hours at high temperatures.
ASUS intros ROG Maximus Z790 Hero BTF motherboard with hidden power connectors
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero BTF motherboard is a powerful and feature-rich option for gamers and enthusiasts. It supports PCIe 5.0 and has a high-power connector for monster graphics cards. The motherboard has a high-quality power solution and is compatible with Intel's 14th Gen Core processors. It offers multiple M.2 slots for fast storage and has 2.5GbE networking and Wi-Fi 7 for high-speed connectivity. The board also features Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C ports for versatile connectivity options.
GIGABYTE AORUS Z790 Master X Motherboard Review
The GIGABYTE AORUS Z790 Master X motherboard is highly recommended for those building on Intel's Z790 chipset. It offers a 20+1+2 phase VRM, DDR5 memory support up to 8266MHz, 10Gbe and Wi-Fi 7 networking, and fourteen USB 3.2 ports. The motherboard performs exceptionally well in benchmarks and gaming tests, and its pricing is competitive compared to similar motherboards in the market. The only downsides are the lack of Thunderbolt 4 and an OLED panel. Overall, it is a solid value for the money.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master X Review
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master X is a powerful motherboard with impressive features. It has a 105A 20-phase SPS power stage and a large heatpipe for cooling. The IO section offers plenty of connectivity options, including USB and Thunderbolt ports. The motherboard supports WiFi 7, 10GbE LAN, and PCI Express 5.0 for maximum bandwidth. It is built on Gigabyte's Ultra Durable platform and has fan headers for efficient cooling. Overall, the Aorus Master X is a top-notch motherboard for those looking for the latest features and future-proofing.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master X Review
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master X is a high-end motherboard with great aesthetics and features. It has a subtle RGB design and a massive VRM stack. The build quality is excellent with bracing on all slots. It offers plenty of fan headers for cooling and has high-speed USB ports. The networking options are also impressive. However, the performance is not as good as expected for the price. The Aorus Pro X is a better and more affordable option. Overall, the Master X has a great feature set and looks, but lacks in performance.
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Feature | Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero BTF | Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master X |
---|---|---|
RAM Speed (Max) | 5600 MHz | 4800 MHz |
RAM Speed (OC) | 8000 MHz | 8266 MHz |
Fan Headers | 6 | 10 |
Memory Slots | 4 | 4 |
USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Ports | 4 | 4 |
M.2 Sockets | 5 | 5 |
PCIe x16 Slots (Gen 3) | 0 | 2 |
PCIe x16 Slots (Gen 4) | 0 | 0 |
PCIe x16 Slots (Gen 5) | 0 | 1 |
Max Memory Size | 192GB | 192GB |
CPU Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
Form Factor | ATX | E-ATX |
WLAN Toggle | True | True |
WiFi Versions | WiFi 4, WiFi 5, WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, WiFi 7 | WiFi 4, WiFi 5, WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, WiFi 7 |
Built-in Bluetooth | True | True |
Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
HDMI Version | HDMI 2.1 | None |
Easy Overclock | True | True |
RGB Lighting | True | True |
Clear CMOS | True | True |
Dual BIOS | False | False |
Audio Channels | 7.1 | 5.1 |
Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 120 dB | 125 dB |
Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero BTF and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master X are both high-end motherboards designed for Intel's Z790 chipset, offering robust features suitable for gaming and content creation.
Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero BTF stands out with its extensive connectivity options including Thunderbolt 4, PCIe Gen 5 support, and multiple M.2 slots. It features DDR5 RAM support, robust VRMs for stable overclocking, and a user-friendly BIOS. Ideal for users looking for advanced overclocking capabilities and future-proof features like HDMI 2.1.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master X excels with a larger number of fan headers, PCIe slots including PCIe Gen 5, and high-speed USB ports. It emphasizes durability with an eight-layer PCB and offers advanced cooling solutions. The motherboard is noted for its WiFi 7 and 10GbE LAN support, making it suitable for users prioritizing network performance and durability.
For Gamers and Overclockers: Choose the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero BTF for its superior overclocking potential, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and advanced BIOS features.
For Users Prioritizing Networking and Durability: Opt for the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master X due to its robust build quality, extensive cooling options, and high-speed networking capabilities.
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