ROG Maximus Z790 HERO
#1 in Intel Socket Motherboards · Rated 4.8
Flagship Z790 board with extreme power delivery and luxury features.
The ROG Maximus Z790 HERO is a top-tier Intel Z790 motherboard designed for enthusiasts who want extreme headroom for overclocking and a feature-rich platform. It targets builders using 13th- and 12th-gen Intel CPUs, with a robust 20+1 power-stage VRM, premium cooling, and an expansive I/O layout. Highlights include PCIe 5.0 support, a PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot, five M.2 slots (including PCIe 5.0 via the bundled ROG Hyper M.2 Card), dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi‑Fi 6E, Aura Sync lighting, and ASUS AI overclocking/cooling tools to simplify tuning. The Hero is positioned for high-end rigs (often paired with top GPUs, fast DDR5 memory, and high-capacity storage). It differentiates itself with aggressive VRM cooling, an expansive feature-set, and the option to push performance well beyond standard gaming boards. Suitable for enthusiasts, content creators, and extreme overclockers who want best-in-class connectivity and power delivery. The combination of luxurious build quality, extensive utility, and future-proof PCIe 5.0/Thunderbolt options helps it stand out against premium competition, though the price and big footprint may deter casual builders.
Features
- 20+1 phase VRM with premium components
- Five M.2 slots including PCIe 5.0 via Hyper M.2 Card
- PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot
- Wi‑Fi 6E and dual Thunderbolt 4
- AI Overclocking and AI Cooling II
- Aura Sync RGB, pre-mounted I/O shield
Pros
- Exceptional power delivery and cooling for extreme overclocking
- Extensive I/O and PCIe 5.0/Thunderbolt coverage
- Advanced ASUS software for tuning and monitoring
Cons
- High price for a premium board
- Large E-ATX footprint may require a bigger case