Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF Wi-Fi Motherboard ATX Review
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF Wi-Fi Motherboard ATX is a premium offering in Asus’s Republic of Gamers (ROG) lineup, designed for gamers and enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance, advanced features, and robust connectivity. This motherboard is built to support Intel’s latest 13th Gen processors, ensuring cutting-edge performance for gaming, content creation, and other intensive tasks. This review will explore various aspects of the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF, including its design, features, performance, and overall value.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Unboxing and First Impressions
- Design and Build Quality
- Specifications and Features
- CPU Support and Socket
- Memory Support
- Expansion Slots and Storage Options
- Connectivity
- Audio
- BIOS and Software
- Performance
- Gaming Performance
- Productivity Performance
- Overclocking Capabilities
- Cooling Solutions
- User Experience
- Installation Process
- BIOS Navigation
- Software Interface
- Pricing and Value
- Pros and Cons
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF Wi-Fi is designed for users who demand the best in performance and features. Asus, a leading name in the gaming and PC hardware market, has equipped this motherboard with everything needed to build a high-performance gaming rig or a powerful workstation. This review will evaluate how well the Z790 HERO BTF meets these demands and compares to other high-end motherboards in the market.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF Wi-Fi comes in a stylish and sturdy box that reflects its premium nature. The packaging is secure, ensuring that the motherboard and its components are well-protected during transit. Inside the box, you’ll find the motherboard, a detailed user manual, a driver DVD, multiple SATA cables, M.2 screws, an I/O shield, a Wi-Fi antenna, and various ROG-branded accessories. The inclusion of these accessories indicates Asus’s attention to detail and commitment to providing a comprehensive package.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF Wi-Fi is both visually striking and highly functional, featuring a sleek black PCB with RGB lighting accents and premium heatsinks. The ATX form factor ensures compatibility with a wide range of cases, while the robust build quality includes high-end capacitors, reinforced PCIe slots, and sturdy heatsinks. The layout is thoughtfully designed to facilitate easy installation and optimal cable management, crucial for maintaining a clean and efficient build.
Specifications and Features
CPU Support and Socket
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF supports Intel’s 13th Gen processors, utilizing the LGA 1700 socket. This ensures compatibility with the latest CPUs, providing users with cutting-edge performance for gaming, content creation, and other demanding tasks.
Memory Support
The motherboard supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory across four DIMM slots, with speeds up to 7200 MHz (OC). This high-speed memory support is essential for gaming and productivity tasks, offering faster data access and improved system responsiveness.
Expansion Slots and Storage Options
The Z790 HERO BTF offers extensive expansion and storage options:
- PCIe Slots: Two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot provide ample room for multiple GPUs, storage controllers, and other expansion cards, ensuring maximum flexibility for high-performance setups.
- Storage: Four M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs and six SATA III ports enable a wide range of storage configurations. The M.2 slots support PCIe 5.0 and 4.0, offering blazing-fast data transfer speeds.
Connectivity
The motherboard includes a comprehensive set of connectivity options:
- Rear I/O: Features multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports, dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN ports, Wi-Fi 6E module, and audio jacks. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
- Internal Headers: Additional USB headers, fan headers, and power connectors for extensive peripheral and cooling setups. The motherboard also supports Thunderbolt 4 via an add-in card, expanding its connectivity options further.
Audio
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF features SupremeFX audio technology, providing high-fidelity sound for gaming and multimedia. The integrated DAC and amplifier ensure clear and immersive audio, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
BIOS and Software
Asus’s UEFI BIOS interface is user-friendly and intuitive, offering both basic and advanced modes to cater to different levels of users. The motherboard also comes with Asus’s comprehensive software suite, including AI Suite 3, ROG GameFirst, and Armoury Crate, which provide tools for system optimization, network management, and customization.
Performance
Gaming Performance
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF excels in gaming performance, leveraging the power of Intel’s 13th Gen processors and high-speed DDR5 memory. It handles the latest AAA titles with ease, providing smooth and immersive gameplay. The dual PCIe 5.0 slots ensure that the latest GPUs can perform at their peak, offering exceptional graphics performance.
Productivity Performance
For productivity tasks, the Z790 HERO BTF provides a powerful and efficient platform. It excels in handling multitasking, content creation, and other resource-intensive applications. The extensive memory support and high-speed storage options further enhance its suitability for professional use, making it an ideal choice for content creators and power users.
Overclocking Capabilities
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF is built with overclocking in mind, offering a range of features to push hardware beyond stock speeds. The BIOS provides comprehensive options for tweaking CPU, memory, and voltage settings. Additionally, the motherboard features robust power delivery and cooling solutions, ensuring stability during high-performance overclocking sessions.
Cooling Solutions
The motherboard includes multiple fan headers and supports both PWM and DC fans, enabling users to set up an efficient cooling system. The large heatsinks on the VRMs and chipset help dissipate heat effectively, maintaining optimal temperatures even under heavy loads. The motherboard’s layout facilitates good airflow within the case, crucial for maintaining low temperatures in high-performance builds.
User Experience
Installation Process
The installation process for the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF is straightforward, thanks to the well-organized layout and detailed user manual. The labeled connectors and slots simplify the process, even for less experienced builders. The ATX form factor ensures compatibility with a wide range of cases, making the installation process smoother.
BIOS Navigation
Asus’s UEFI BIOS interface is intuitive and designed with both novice and experienced users in mind. It provides both basic and advanced modes, making it accessible for users with different levels of expertise. Key settings are easily accessible, and the BIOS is stable, minimizing the risk of issues during configuration.
Software Interface
The software suite provided by Asus enhances the user experience by offering tools for system monitoring, optimization, and customization. The interface is modern and user-friendly, allowing for efficient system administration and troubleshooting.
Pricing and Value
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF is positioned as a high-end motherboard, reflecting its extensive feature set and premium build quality. While it comes with a higher price tag compared to mainstream motherboards, the investment is justified by the performance, reliability, and advanced features it offers. For gamers and enthusiasts who demand the best, the Z790 HERO BTF provides excellent value.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional Performance: Capable of handling the most demanding gaming and productivity tasks.
- Extensive Connectivity: A wide array of ports, including dual 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 6E.
- High-Quality Build: Durable components and a robust design ensure longevity and reliability.
- Advanced Overclocking Features: Comprehensive options for pushing hardware beyond stock speeds.
- User-Friendly BIOS: Intuitive interface with both basic and advanced modes.
- Ample Expansion Options: Multiple PCIe slots and extensive storage options.
Cons
- High Price: More expensive compared to mainstream motherboards.
- Specialized Use: Primarily suited for high-performance gaming and productivity, not budget builds.
- Large Form Factor: Requires a compatible case, which may not be as common as smaller form factors.
Conclusion
The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF Wi-Fi Motherboard ATX is an outstanding choice for gamers and enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance, advanced features, and robust connectivity. Its support for Intel’s 13th Gen processors, extensive memory and storage options, and comprehensive connectivity make it a versatile and powerful platform for a wide range of applications. While it comes with a higher price tag, the investment is justified by the exceptional performance and robust feature set it offers.
In conclusion, the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF exemplifies Asus’s commitment to delivering high-quality, high-performance motherboards for gaming and productivity. It provides a well-rounded package that meets the needs of demanding users, with robust features and competitive pricing. For those looking to invest in a reliable and powerful motherboard for gaming or professional use, the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 HERO BTF is a compelling choice.
