The Ultimate Z790 Motherboard: ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO Review

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Refreshed Asus Z719 Motherboard
3. The Advancements in Wi-Fi Technology
4. Support for 12th to 14th Gen Intel CPUs
5. The End of the Road for this Platform
6. Unboxing and Contents of the Box
7. Improved Design of the Wi-Fi Antenna
8. A Look at the Motherboard's Features
9. Connectivity Options and Ports
10. Asus-Specific Features and Enhancements

The Refreshed Asus Z719 Motherboard

In the world of computer hardware, advancements happen at a rapid pace. Just as we were getting accustomed to Wi-Fi 6, Asus surprises us with the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 in their latest refresh of the Z719 motherboard – the Asus RG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero. Today, we're going to take a closer look at this refresh and explore the key changes and features that make it stand out.

But first, what exactly is a motherboard?

A motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer that hosts various components such as the CPU, memory, and expansion slots. It acts as the central hub, connecting all the different hardware components and allowing them to communicate with each other effectively.

Now, let's dive into the details of the refreshed Asus Z719 motherboard.

Introduction

The Asus RG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero motherboard is a refresh of its predecessor, offering updated features and improved connectivity options. It supports 12th to 14th generation Intel CPUs, providing users with a wide range of compatibility.

The Advancements in Wi-Fi Technology

One of the notable features of the Z719 motherboard is the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7. Over the years, we have witnessed the evolution of Wi-Fi technology, and Asus is leading the charge by introducing Wi-Fi 7 on this motherboard. While some may argue that moving from Wi-Fi 6 to Wi-Fi 7 seems premature, Asus is setting the trend for future developments.

Support for 12th to 14th Gen Intel CPUs

In terms of CPU compatibility, the Z719 motherboard stands out by supporting 12th to 14th generation Intel CPUs. This level of support ensures that users can easily upgrade their CPUs without the need for a motherboard change. However, it's essential to note that this platform marks the end of the road for this particular generation, as the upcoming 15th generation will likely require next-generation motherboards.

Unboxing and Contents of the Box

Upon unboxing the Asus RG Maximus Z719 motherboard, you'll find a sticker pack, a web storage bonus, and a quick start guide. The quick start guide is a convenient resource that provides important information for beginners, including detailed descriptions and helpful visuals to assist with the installation process. Additionally, the box includes various accessories such as a keychain, adapters, extra thermal pads, SATA cables, and a Wi-Fi antenna.

Improved Design of the Wi-Fi Antenna

One notable improvement on the Z719 motherboard is the design of the Wi-Fi antenna. Traditionally, Wi-Fi antennas required twisting to install, which could be tedious and sometimes led to cable damage. However, Asus has Simplified the process with their push connectors, allowing for effortless installation and removal. The antenna is adjustable and even features a magnet for easy mounting on metal surfaces. Asus has also integrated a utility in the armor crate to optimize the Wi-Fi positioning for optimal signal strength.

A Look at the Motherboard's Features

The Asus RG Maximus Z719 motherboard boasts a sleek and clean design. It features a small display screen that can display animations during boot-up, adding a touch of customization. The overall aesthetic is further enhanced by the blackout styling, giving the motherboard a refined and premium look. With its robust power delivery system consisting of 20 plus one power stages and BP heatsinks, this motherboard is capable of handling power-hungry CPUs and overclocking.

Connectivity Options and Ports

The Z719 motherboard offers a range of connectivity options to accommodate various needs. It includes four DIMM slots that support up to 8,000 mega transfers, ensuring high memory performance. Additionally, it features multiple SATA ports for hard drives and SSDs, as well as USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports for different peripherals. The motherboard also includes a variety of RGB and fan headers, providing extensive customization options.

Asus-Specific Features and Enhancements

Asus has incorporated several features to enhance user experience and convenience. The inclusion of Q latch and Q release mechanisms simplifies the installation and removal of M.2 drives, eliminating the need for screws and making troubleshooting easier. The presence of buttons like BIOS flashback and clear CMOS facilitates overclocking and system restoration. The motherboard also includes sensors for monitoring liquid flow and temperature in water-cooled setups.

In conclusion, the Asus RG Maximus Z719 motherboard is a powerful and feature-rich option for enthusiasts and professionals. With its support for 12th to 14th generation Intel CPUs, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and an array of connectivity ports and headers, this motherboard offers a complete Package for those seeking performance and versatility in their computer systems.

👍 Pros:

• Wide CPU compatibility from 12th to 14th generation Intel CPUs
• Inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 for future-proof connectivity
• Improved design of the Wi-Fi antenna with push connectors
• Sleek and premium aesthetic with blackout styling
• Robust power delivery system for overclocking

👎 Cons:

• Limited PCIe lanes for PC Gen 5 devices when multiple devices are connected
• Lack of PC Gen 5 graphics cards on the market may limit functionality for some users

Resource: Asus Official Website