ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex (WiFi 6E) LGA 1700 ATX Gaming Motherboard

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex is a high-performance, enthusiast-grade motherboard designed for Intel’s 13th Gen processors (and compatible with 12th Gen as well) utilizing the LGA 1700 socket. It belongs to ASUS’ Republic of Gamers (ROG) lineup, which is known for offering premium features, cutting-edge technology, and top-tier overclocking potential. The Maximus Z790 Apex is particularly targeted at gamers, overclockers, and content creators who require a board that can handle extreme performance while offering advanced features for the most demanding workloads.

Key Features of the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex:

1. Chipset & Processor Support

• Chipset: Intel Z790 chipset.
• Socket: LGA 1700 socket, supporting Intel 12th and 13th Gen Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors.
• The Z790 chipset delivers enhanced connectivity options, including faster PCIe Gen 5.0 support, improved memory overclocking, and expanded I/O capabilities compared to its predecessor, the Z690.

2. Extreme Overclocking Capabilities

• The Z790 Apex is designed with extreme overclocking in mind. This motherboard is built to push the limits of Intel’s CPUs, with features like extensive power delivery systems, robust capacitors, and optimized PCB layout to ensure stability during extreme overclocking.
• It includes OC button functions, onboard Clear CMOS, and POST code displays, all designed for fine-tuning and troubleshooting during overclocking sessions.
• AI Overclocking features are also integrated, allowing users to achieve optimal performance without needing manual intervention for most overclocking scenarios.

3. Power Delivery and VRM Design

• One of the standout features of the Maximus Z790 Apex is its 18+1 Phase VRM design, delivering superior power delivery and stability for both the CPU and memory, especially when overclocking. This robust VRM system is paired with high-quality capacitors and MOSFETs to ensure consistent power, even under heavy loads.
• The ProCool II power connectors help provide stable power to critical components, further enhancing reliability during extreme conditions.

4. Dual-Channel DDR5 Memory Support

• The Z790 Apex supports DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 8000 MHz and beyond when overclocked. With a maximum capacity of up to 128GB, this board allows users to take full advantage of high-bandwidth memory for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and other professional applications.
• For users still working with DDR4, the motherboard also supports DDR4 memory (using specific configurations) to offer flexibility depending on the memory preference or available stock.

5. PCIe 5.0 Support

• The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex comes with PCIe 5.0 support, offering up to 16 lanes of PCIe Gen 5 bandwidth. This enables next-generation GPU and storage devices to fully utilize their bandwidth potential, delivering improved performance and future-proofing the system.
• It has two PCIe x16 slots, with one slot operating at PCIe 5.0 x16 and the other at PCIe 4.0 x16. This configuration is ideal for gaming setups or workstation systems that require high-speed data transfer between components.

6. Connectivity: USB, Networking, and Storage

• Networking: The Z790 Apex features Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) for ultra-fast, stable wireless internet connections, as well as 10Gb Ethernet for wired networking. This combination ensures that users get the best possible performance, whether they’re gaming, streaming, or working on high-bandwidth tasks.
• USB Ports: The motherboard is equipped with an extensive set of USB ports, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C and Type-A ports, supporting fast data transfer speeds and a range of peripherals. Additionally, the rear I/O includes multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports, as well as legacy ports for older devices.
• Storage: The motherboard features four M.2 slots, including two PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, capable of running NVMe Gen 5 SSDs at full speed. It also supports up to six SATA 6Gbps ports for additional storage options.

7. Premium Audio Components

• SupremeFX Audio technology delivers a high-fidelity, immersive audio experience for gaming, music, and entertainment. The Z790 Apex includes an ESS Sabre DAC and a high-end audio codec for cleaner, more accurate sound reproduction. The high-quality audio capacitors and shielding help reduce interference for audiophile-grade performance.
• The motherboard also features a S/PDIF output for digital audio and is ready for high-definition surround sound systems.

8. AI and Software Support

• ASUS’s AI Suite 3 software gives users full control over their system, offering real-time monitoring, system tuning, and overclocking options. The AI Overclocking tool can automatically optimize system performance for the best balance between power and cooling.
• The ROG Armoury Crate software integrates all ROG components, allowing users to monitor performance, customize lighting effects, and update drivers or BIOS with ease.