ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO Intel LGA 1700 ATX motherboard with 20+1+2 power stages, DDR5 support, Wi-Fi 7, five M.2 slots, Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB 20Gbps Type-C, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, AI Networking, AI Noise Cancelation and Aura Sync

AI OVERCLOCKING

Tuning is now faster and smarter than ever before. ASUS AI Overclocking profiles the CPU and cooling to predict the optimal configuration and push the system to its limits. Predicted values can be engaged automatically or used as a launching ground for further experimentation.

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 8 GT/s mark on the Maximus Z790 Dark 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.

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  DIMM FLEX

  DIMM Flex provides enthusiasts with a powerful new way to overclock their DDR5 memory modules. It employs specialized circuitry that can boost performance or address potential stability issues, depending on temperature readings. When temperatures are nominal, it can use the extra headroom to increase speeds and efficiency. And when temperatures increase, it can adjust memory behavior downward to maintain stability.
  Learn more
  DIMM Flex QVL List

  * Results may vary according to the capabilities of your CPU, graphic card, motherboard, and memory modules.
  ** The comparison chart is based on a test with an Intel Core i9-14900K processor, ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi II, ROG Strix GeForce RTX™ 4090 OC Edition 24GB graphics card, and G.SKILL DDR5 memory modules (model F5-7200J3646F24GX2-TZ5RK).

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  AEMP II

  ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II (AEMP II) is an exclusive firmware feature that allows users to achieve supreme memory performance and compatibility with optimized clock speeds, even when they're using PMIC-restricted memory modules that do not provide an XMP or EXPO profile. Developed through a flexible training method, AEMP II simplifies the process of fine-tuning memory settings beyond the baseline configuration, all while ensuring system stability. This applies whether you are maximizing the potential of an entry-level module or preparing a high-speed kit for ultimate performance.
  Now, AEMP II offers even more flexibility. With the latest firmware update, AEMP II allows users to optimize the performance of a four-DIMM DDR5 RAM configuration, even with a mixture of different brands and dies. Increasing the memory capacity of your build by adding additional DIMMs has never been easier — with AEMP II, you can get optimized memory performance even when all four memory modules are not an exact match, provided that all four DIMMs have the same capacity.

  * Results may vary according to the capabilities of your CPU and memory modules.
  ** The testing chart is based on a test with an Intel i9-14900K processor and 4x16GB SK Hynix DDR5-5600 non-ECC UDIMMs, model HMCG78AGBUA081N

TEAMED POWER ARCHITECTURE

• 8 + 8-pin ProCool II power connectors

  Dual ProCool connectors ensure a snug and reliable connection to the EPS 12V power lines.

• 20+1+2 power stages

  The VRM features 20+1+2 power stages, each rated to handle up to 90 amps.

• MicroFine alloy chokes

  Each power stage is accompanied by a high-permeability alloy-core choke rated to handle 45 amps.

• 10K black metallic capacitors

  Input and output filtering is provided by solid-polymer capacitors rated to last thousands of hours at high operating temperatures.

NETWORKING

• WIFI 7

  Next-gen WiFi 7* chipset introduces all-new ultrawide 320 MHz channel bandwidth in the 6 GHz band and 4096 QAM, delivering up to 2.4X ultra-fast WiFi speeds**. The revolutionary Multi-Link Operation (MLO) provides a more stable WiFi connection and lower latency, unlocking the realms of the unknown in gaming, streaming, and industrial IoT.
  Learn more about Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and WiFi 7 technology

  *WiFi 7 features require onboard WiFi chipset, WiFi AP, and WiFi 7-supported operating systems to support the corresponding features. The 320 Mhz in the 6 GHz band may be unavailable in some regions / countries due to regulatory restrictions. Expected support for Multi-Link Operation (MLO) will be available later this year (October 2023). Please visit the ASUS support page for more information.
  **Compared to WiFi 6E

• 2.5Gb ETHERNET

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

ASUS WIFI Q-ANTENNA

Dual transceivers support the 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands to enable faster throughput, with directional sensitivity to improve signal quality and cover greater distances.

Wireless Signal Reception Improvement

Versus previous-generation antenna

• Up to +6%

  
  

  6 GHz

• Up to +18%

  
  

  5/2.4 GHz

FAST CHECK

Armoury Crate’s Fast Check empowers users to rapidly detect WiFi signal strength.

DIRECTION FINDER

Armoury Crate’s Direction Finder* helps users detect the optimal antenna orientation for achieving the best WiFi signal strength.

*The Direction Finder is only compatible with connections in the 5GHz and 6 GHz bands

PCIE 5.0

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

Five onboard M.2 Slots

The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero features five onboard M.2 slots, one of which is PCIe 5.0-ready to offer blistering 16 GB/s speeds, while the others offer still-impressive 8 GB/s over PCIe 4.0 interfaces.

Expansion Slots

Both of the x16 expansion slots have the PCIe 5.0 treatment to offer incredible speeds up to 64 GB/s for compatible devices. To bear the brunt of massive graphics cards, they are also protected with SafeSlot retention brackets, and the top slot can be released easily thanks to the PCIe Slot Q-Release button.

COOLER BY DESIGN

• 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.

• 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.

• M.2 heatsinks 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.

• Chipset heatsink

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

USB PORTS

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  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.

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  USB 20Gbps TYPE-C FRONT-PANEL CONNECTOR WITH QUICK CHARGE 4+

  USB 20Gbps Type-C front-panel connector features Quick Charge 4+ technology that can rapidly charge devices up to 60W*.

  * Requires a PCIe power supply cable to be plugged into the nearby 8-pin connector.

DIY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

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  PCIE^® SLOT Q-RELEASE

  A physical button unlocks the first PCIe slot’s security latch with one tap, greatly simplifying the process of detaching a PCIe card from the motherboard when it’s time to upgrade to a new GPU or other compatible device.

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  M.2 Q-LATCH

  The innovative Q-Latch makes it easy to install or remove an M.2 SSD without the need for specific tools. The design employs a simple locking mechanism to secure the drive and neatly eliminate traditional screws.

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  Q-ANTENNA

  With Q-Antenna, attaching a WiFi antenna to your PC is now easy and fast. Instead of slowly rotating two fasteners until they finally lock in, they just snap into place. Less hassle, and more consistent performance.

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  Q-LED

  The on-board Q-LED troubleshooting lights give PC builders a quick indicator to confirm that key components ― CPU, RAM, graphics card, storage devices ― are functioning normally during startup. Builders can use the Q-LED feature to correct power delivery issues affecting their motherboard, and it can also alert them when memory modules have not been properly installed--even before attempting to boot a newly built PC.