Asus ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO ATX - motherboard

Buffed and ready with more power, robust cooling, and flexible I/O to scale up your rig at will. The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero puts it all at your disposal together with an arsenal of features and utilities to truly express the PC builder, overclocker, and gaming hero in you.

PERFORMANCE
Utilize the Hero’s immense power and control to take your 13th Gen CPU and DDR5 memory kit to the next level.

TEAMED POWER ARCHITECTURE
Today's CPU architectures place incredible demands on motherboard power design by transitioning from deep power-saving modes, going from lower-power mode to full load in an instant. The latest ROG VRM architecture rises to the challenge by utilizing teamed power stages to rapidly swing current, while maintaining exemplary thermal performance.

A BRIEF HISTORY
ASUS became the first manufacturer to implement phase-doublers with the A8N32-SLI Deluxe motherboard, back in 2005. The board's VRM was lauded for elegantly overcoming the power handling capabilities of components that were available at the time while also reducing voltage ripple. Those benefits led to phase-doublers becoming universally accepted in the industry, and they are still used for similar purposes today.

A SHIFT IN CPU DEMANDS
Modern CPUs pack more cores than their predecessors, and the latest instruction sets allow them to crunch computationally dense workloads at an incredible pace. In addition, they consume less power at idle and can transition between load states much more quickly. These improvements necessitate a re-evaluation of power-design priorities because phase-doublers add a propagation delay that hampers transient response.

BUCKING THE TREND
Fortunately, the latest integrated power components can handle higher currents than the devices of yesteryear, making it possible to implement a simple circuit topology that isn't hamstrung by the processing lag of phase-doublers. That's why the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero utilizes teamed power stages to deliver higher burst current per phase, while maintaining the thermal performance of phase-doubled designs.

THERMAL PERFORMANCE
Each VRM component serves a specific purpose. PWM controllers and phase-doublers control the circuit, and the power stages do the heavy lifting from an electrical and thermal standpoint. The power stages feature low RDSON to reduce switching and conduction losses, helping to improve overall thermal headroom.

HIGH-QUALITY COMPONENTS

MEMORY
Comprehensive memory tuning options are the cornerstone of ROG motherboards. With the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, you can extract all of the potential out of your DDR5 modules, regardless of if they're from an extreme-speed kit or an entry-level set that would otherwise be locked.

DDR5 DOMINATION
ROG has a long legacy of flexing the fastest memory performance, and DDR5 is no outlier. Thanks to improved signal routing, now enthusiast-grade kits have been driven far beyond the 7 GT/s mark on the Maximus Z790 Hero, and who knows how far future DIMMs can go? Seasoned veterans can test their mettle by tinkering with the extensive array of tuning options in the UEFI.

AEMP II
ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile (AEMP) is an exclusive hardware and firmware solution to overclock generic memory modules. AEMP’s second version allows for automatic tuning of kits during system startup and leverages the PCB trace optimizations of the Maximus Z790 Hero to push frequencies higher than ever before. AEMP II can even overclock mixed kits in a quad-DIMM arrangement, and the vast library of support now extends to nearly every DDR5 module that does not otherwise have XMP support.

COOLING
Stacked with titanic heatsink arrays and surging with controls for liquid- and air-cooled setups, the Hero is fully armed to combat the fiery heat of the latest processors and high-speed drives.

VRM and aluminum I/O heatsink
A VRM heatsink on the MOSFETs and chokes is connected to the aluminum I/O cover via an embedded heatpipe to increase mass and surface area for dissipation.

M.2 heatsink and backplates
Large aluminum heatsinks provide extensive surface area to cool mounted M.2 drives, and each of the three onboard slots has a dedicated backplate for additional heat dissipation.

High-conductivity thermal pads
Each thermal pad improves overall heat transfer from the system by bridging the heat generated by the power stages to the heatsink. For future maintenance, a replacement thermal pad can also be found in the package.

Solid steel backplate
A plate of electro-galvanized steel strengthens the spine of the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero to prevent bending.

Chipset heatsink
A dedicated heatsink draws heat away from the chipset to maintain optimum operating temperature.

THERMAL MANAGEMENT
An extensive array of headers line the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero for precise cooling control and monitoring.

Multiple temperature sources
Each header can be set to monitor and react to three user-configurable thermal sensors for workload-based cooling, and all settings can be easily managed by Fan Xpert 4 or UEFI.

4-pin fan headers
In addition to the pair of CPU fan headers, the Maximus Z790 Hero features four chassis headers, and each supports auto-detection of PWM or DC fans.

AIO pump header
An additional PWM/DC fan header offers dedicated control of self-contained water-cooling setups.

ROG WATER-COOLING ZONE
Dual water-temperature headers and a flow-rate header feed information straight into Armoury Crate, allowing you to track coolant temperatures and the flow rate of the entire loop.

Water pump+
A dedicated header can supply over 3 amps to a high-performance PWM or DC water pumps.

Water in/out
A dedicated header enables monitoring of temperatures at the input/output points of any component.

Water flow
A dedicated header enables constant monitoring of flow rate throughout the entire loop.

COOLER COMPATIBILITY
The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero bears the same LGA 1700 socket as the Z690 models, so it is backward compatible with all coolers that supported the previous generation, including all AIO offerings from ASUS and ROG.

CONNECTIVITY
Next-gen connectivity for graphics, storage, peripherals, and networking, plus high-definition audio for all types of setups - it all combines to create a Hero that’s connected with now and the future.

PCIE 5.0
Fully embracing the new standard, the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero offers abundant Gen 5 support to give unfettered bandwidth to the fastest SSDs and graphics cards available.

TWO THUNDERBOLT 4 TYPE-C® PORTS
Each port delivers up to 40 Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth for the latest super-speed devices and drives. Both ports can be employed for up to two external 4K displays, and PCIe bandwidth extends to up to 32 Gbps.

USB 3.2 GEN 2X2 TYPE-C® FRONT-PANEL CONNECTOR WITH QUICK CHARGE 4+
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 adds an additional lane that can boost Type-C data transfers with speeds of up to 20 Gbps. The port also features Quick Charge 4+ technology that can quickly charge devices up to 60W*.
* Requires a PCIe power supply cable to be plugged into the nearby 6-pin connector.

WIFI 6E
Onboard WiFi 6E technology takes advantage of newly available spectrum in the 6 GHz band to provide up to seven 160 MHz channels for ultrafast throughput and better performance in dense wireless environments.

2.5G ETHERNET
Low-latency gaming, speedy file transfers, and high-resolution video streaming are among the many perks of onboard Intel® 2.5 Gbps Ethernet.

SUPREMEFX
ROG SupremeFX audio technology delivers an exceptional 113 dB signal-to-noise ratio on the line-in connection to provide exceptional recording quality. There’s also a low-dropout regulator for cleaner power delivery to the SupremeFX ALC4082 codec, and an integrated ESS® ES9218 QUAD DAC capable of reaching -115dB THD+N for superior front-panel output. The combined solution allows for end-to-end 32-bit 384 kHz resolution playback that conveys all the subtlety and nuances of each audio track.

AUDIO LINE SHIELDING
Blocks electromagnetic interference from the motherboard or add-ons to provide cleaner audio.

ESS® ES9218 QUAD DAC
The ESS® ES9218 integrated QUAD DAC amplifier is capable of providing -114 dB total harmonic distortion (THD+N) for standard audio devices, and can ramp up to 2Vrms on supported audiophile hardware. In addition, the 121 dB dynamic range (DNR) provides an extremely low noise-floor, further accentuating dynamics and punch.

ALC4082 CODEC
Instead of the conventional high definition audio (HDA) interface, the ALC4082 codec uses a USB interface to deliver studio-level sound reaching up to 32-bit 384 kHz audio resolution.

SWITCHING MOSFETS
Unique design allows the codec's impedance-sensing function to be ported with either the front or rear headphone outputs.

CAPACITORS
Fine-quality components that produce a warmer, natural sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity.

OPTIMIZATION
Flexible utilities and firmware provide everything needed to optimize the performance of your system loadout.

AI COOLING II
Balance the thermals and acoustics of any build with a single click. A proprietary ASUS algorithm slashes unnecessary noise while running a quick stress test, and then monitors CPU temperatures to dynamically adjust fans to optimal speeds.

TWO-WAY AI NOISE CANCELATION
This utility leverages a massive deep-learning database to reduce over 5 million types of background noise from incoming or outgoing audio, helping ensure crystal-clear communication in games or calls.

AI NETWORKING
GameFirst VI optimizes networking performance by allocating bandwidth in real time based on application usage scenarios and corresponding learning algorithms. The latest update includes dedicated support for GeForce NOW to ensure the lowest latency possible during intense game streaming sessions.

AI SUITE 3
The AI Suite 3 dashboard contains a set of intuitive controls that boost CPU performance while maintaining system stability.

UEFI BIOS
The renowned ROG UEFI (BIOS) provides everything you need to configure, tweak, and tune your rig. It offers intelligently simplified options for newcomers to PC DIY, as well as more comprehensive features for seasoned veterans.

PERSONALIZATION
Illuminating the I/O shroud of the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a colorful microstructural array called Polymo Lighting. Two stylish patterns are available for builders to tinker with in Armoury Crate and sync up with the rest of their system for a brilliant display of individuality.

GROW YOUR GAMING WORLD WITH AURA SYNC
Up your game with complementary Aura Sync enhanced aesthetics, featuring preset lighting effects that can be easily synchronized across compatible ROG graphics cards, monitors, keyboards, and mice to give your setup a unified look.

SONIC STUDIO III
Sonic Studio supports HRTF-based (head-related transfer function*) virtual surround for headsets, casting an immersive aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action. The intuitive Sonic Studio interface also offers a range of EQ options and one-click presets, allowing you to tailor acoustics to suit personal preferences or the characteristics of your headset.

DTS SOUND UNBOUND
Through the pre-loaded DTS® Sound Unbound™ app, the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero envelops you in rich audio, conjuring whole new levels of immersion for extraordinary gaming and entertainment experiences. By exploiting Microsoft spatial sound technology, DTS Sound Unbound creates an audial 3D space — putting you right in the middle of the soundscape, where you can sense the location and direction of every gunshot, footstep, or other sound in your virtual environment.
* DTS Sound Unbound requires in-game support. Check with developers for supported titles.

ARMOURY CRATE
Armoury Crate is a software utility designed to give you centralized control of supported gaming products, making it easy to tune the look and feel of your system. From a single intuitive interface, Armoury Crate helps you customize RGB lighting and effects for compatible devices and synchronize them with Aura Sync to create a unified lighting scheme across your system. In addition, Armoury Crate’s Fan Xpert4 tool provides comprehensive control over fans, water pumps, and all-in-one (AIO) coolers.

You can use Armoury Crate to download drivers, tools, and user manuals, and to register products. It also taps into a special news feed that connects you to the global ASUS gaming community.

*Windows 10 or 11 required for full Aura Sync functionality within Armoury Crate. For Windows 8 and earlier versions, standalone Aura Sync software is available for free download from the product support site.

AIDA64 EXTREME
The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero includes a one-year AIDA64 Extreme subscription, a tool that provides detailed information about hardware and software, as well as benchmarks to measure the performance of the entire system or individual components. AIDA64 Extreme includes a monitoring and diagnostics feature to detect and prevent hardware issues. All vital system sensors can be tracked in real time, allowing voltage readings, fan speeds, and temperature information to be displayed on the desktop or sent to dedicated displays or to the LCD panels of ROG AIO liquid coolers*.
*Support available for ROG Ryujin II and later models.