ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WIFI II ATX Gaming Motherboard

Overview

The ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI II is an ATX motherboard designed to support 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core processors through its LGA 1700 socket and Intel Z790 chipset. It offers a robust platform for gamers, content creators, and professionals who need high-speed memory and storage options, with support for up to 192 GB of DDR5 RAM running at speeds up to 8000 MT/s. This motherboard balances powerful performance with versatile connectivity and expansion capabilities, making it suitable for demanding workloads and competitive gaming setups.

Key features

• Supports the latest Intel Core processors with a high-performance LGA 1700 socket and Z790 chipset for future-proof builds.
• Four DDR5 DIMM slots allow for large memory capacity and fast speeds, enhancing multitasking and heavy application performance.
• Five M.2 slots, including a PCIe 5.0 x4 slot, provide ultra-fast NVMe storage options to reduce load times and speed up data transfers.
• Multiple PCIe slots enable flexible expansion for graphics cards, capture devices, and additional NVMe adapters to customize your system.
• Comprehensive networking with Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4 ensures low-latency wired and high-bandwidth wireless connections.
• Extensive USB connectivity with twelve rear ports including a 20 Gb/s USB-C and a front USB-C header delivering up to 30 W for fast device charging.
• Robust 18 + 1 + 2 power stage design rated at 110 A per stage supports stable overclocking and reliable power delivery.
• AI Overclocking and AI Cooling utilities simplify system tuning and thermal management, helping maintain optimal performance without manual adjustments.
• SupremeFX 7.1 surround sound powered by the ALC4080 codec delivers immersive and clear audio for gaming and media consumption.
• Builder-friendly features like Q-Latch for tool-free M.2 installation, Q-Code diagnostic display, and BIOS FlashBack streamline setup and troubleshooting.

Key specs

• Chipset: Intel Z790
• Socket: LGA 1700
• Memory: 4 x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 192 GB, speeds up to 8000 MT/s
• Storage: 5 x M.2 slots (including 1 PCIe 5.0 x4), 4 x SATA III ports
• PCIe slots: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4 mode)
• Networking: Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• USB ports: 12 rear USB ports including 20 Gb/s USB-C, front USB-C header with 30 W power delivery
• Power delivery: 18 + 1 + 2 power stages rated at 110 A per stage
• Audio: SupremeFX 7.1 surround sound with ALC4080 codec

Connectivity and compatibility

This motherboard offers a wide range of connectivity options to support modern peripherals and networking needs. The Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet port ensures fast and stable wired connections, while Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 provide the latest wireless standards for high-speed internet and device pairing. The twelve USB ports on the rear panel include a high-speed 20 Gb/s USB-C port, ideal for external drives and fast data transfers. Additionally, the front USB-C header supports up to 30 W power delivery, allowing you to quickly charge smartphones and portable devices without extra adapters.

• Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet for low-latency wired networking
• Wi-Fi 7 for high-bandwidth wireless connectivity
• Bluetooth 5.4 for reliable device pairing
• 12 rear USB ports including 20 Gb/s USB-C for versatile peripheral support
• Front USB-C header with 30 W power delivery for fast charging

Performance and reliability

The power delivery system on this motherboard is designed to handle demanding workloads and overclocking with an 18 + 1 + 2 phase design rated at 110 A per stage. This ensures stable voltage and current supply to the CPU, even under heavy loads. ASUS AI Overclocking and AI Cooling features help optimize performance and thermal management automatically, reducing the need for manual tuning. The SupremeFX 7.1 audio system powered by the ALC4080 codec provides clear and immersive sound, enhancing both gaming and multimedia experiences.

Installation and setup

Building or upgrading your PC is made easier with several thoughtful features. The Q-Latch system allows tool-free installation and removal of M.2 drives, speeding up storage upgrades. The Q-Code diagnostic display provides real-time error codes to help identify hardware issues quickly. BIOS FlashBack lets you update the BIOS without a CPU or memory installed, simplifying recovery and compatibility updates. These features make the motherboard accessible for both first-time builders and experienced enthusiasts.

Ideal uses and environments

This motherboard is well suited to gamers who want to build a high-performance rig capable of running the latest titles with fast load times and smooth multitasking. Content creators working with 4K video editing or large projects will benefit from the high memory capacity and fast storage options. It also fits well in versatile home workstations that require reliable networking and expansion capabilities. Overall, it is a strong choice for users who demand flexibility, speed, and future-proofing in their PC builds.