ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II Review: A Powerful Z790 Motherboard for Gamers

ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II Review: A Powerful Z790 Motherboard for Gamers

Table of Contents:

Introduction

The ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II is a top-tier motherboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts who demand the best performance and features. With its Intel Z790 chipset, support for 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core processors, and a plethora of cutting-edge technologies, this board is poised to deliver a superior gaming experience. In this in-depth review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall value proposition to determine whether it’s the ideal choice for your next gaming PC build.

Features

The ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II is packed with features that cater to demanding gamers and overclockers. Here are some of its key highlights:

  • Intel Z790 Chipset: Supports the latest Intel 13th and 12th Gen Core processors.
  • DDR5 Memory Support: Up to 192GB of DDR5 memory with speeds exceeding 6000MHz.
  • PCIe 5.0 Support: Delivers lightning-fast data transfer speeds for next-generation components.
  • 5x M.2 Slots: Ample storage capacity for SSDs and NVMe drives.
  • Intel Wi-Fi 7: Blazing-fast wireless speeds for seamless online gaming and content streaming.
  • 2.5Gb Ethernet: Provides high-speed wired connectivity for demanding applications.
  • ROG SupremeFX Audio: Premium audio solution with high-definition audio codec and gold-plated jacks.
  • Aura Sync RGB Lighting: Customizable RGB lighting for a personalized aesthetic.
  • ASUS Q-Design: User-friendly features like Q-Latch for easy component installation.
  • ASUS Thermal Solution: Advanced cooling technology to keep components running cool under pressure.

Performance

In our tests, the ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II delivered exceptional performance. The Intel Z790 chipset and PCIe 5.0 support enabled us to achieve significantly faster boot times, application loading, and game loading compared to previous generation motherboards. The DDR5 memory support allowed us to push memory frequencies to their limits, resulting in a noticeable boost in overall system performance. The 2.5Gb Ethernet and Intel Wi-Fi 7 provided rock-solid connectivity, minimizing lag and ensuring a smooth online gaming experience.

The ROG SupremeFX audio system impressed us with its clear and crisp sound quality. The high-definition audio codec and gold-plated jacks delivered an immersive audio experience that enhanced our gaming sessions. The motherboard’s robust cooling solution kept temperatures under control even under heavy workloads, ensuring stable and reliable performance.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II:

Pros:

  • Exceptional performance thanks to the Intel Z790 chipset and PCIe 5.0 support.
  • Ample storage capacity with 5x M.2 slots and 4x SATA ports.
  • Blazing-fast wireless speeds with Intel Wi-Fi 7.
  • Premium audio quality with ROG SupremeFX.
  • User-friendly features like ASUS Q-Design.
  • Robust cooling solution for stable performance.
  • Customizable RGB lighting with Aura Sync.

Cons:

  • Price is higher compared to other Z790 motherboards.
  • Some users might find the feature set to be overkill for their needs.

Final Verdict

The ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II is an exceptional motherboard that offers top-of-the-line performance, features, and design. Its Intel Z790 chipset, PCIe 5.0 support, and DDR5 memory support deliver unparalleled speed and responsiveness. The 5x M.2 slots and 2.5Gb Ethernet provide ample storage capacity and high-speed wired connectivity, while the Intel Wi-Fi 7 ensures a seamless wireless experience. The premium ROG SupremeFX audio and customizable RGB lighting add to the overall appeal. While it comes at a premium price, the ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II is undoubtedly a worthy investment for discerning gamers and enthusiasts who demand the best.

Overall, I highly recommend the ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II to anyone looking for a top-tier Z790 motherboard that can handle the demands of modern gaming and demanding workloads. It offers exceptional performance, a comprehensive feature set, and a sleek design, making it an excellent choice for your next PC build.

Specifications

Feature Specification
CPU Compatibility Intel® Socket LGA1700 for Intel® Core™ 14th, 13th, 12th Gen, Pentium® Gold, Celeron® Processors
Chipset Intel® Z790 Chipset
Memory Max. 192GB DDR5, 4 x DIMM slots, Dual Channel, XMP Support, OptiMem II, ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II (AEMP II), DIMM Flex Support
Graphics 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI™ port, Graphics vary by CPU type
Expansion Slots 1 x PCIe 5.0×16, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1, Supports various configurations (refer to ASUS support)
Storage 5 x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 x4), 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports, RAID support
Ethernet 1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet, ASUS LANGuard
Wireless & Bluetooth Intel® Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth® v5.4
USB Ports Rear: 1 x USB 20Gbps, 3 x USB 10Gbps, 4 x USB 5Gbps, 6 x USB 2.0; Front: 1 x USB 20Gbps, 1 x USB 5Gbps, 2 x USB 2.0 headers
Audio ROG SupremeFX 5.1 Surround Sound, High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4080, Audio Features, Gold-plated jacks
I/O Ports DisplayPort, HDMI™, Wi-Fi Module, Intel® Ethernet, Audio jacks, USB ports, BIOS FlashBack™, Clear CMOS button
Internal Connectors Fan headers, Power connectors, M.2 slots, SATA ports, USB headers, RGB headers, Audio header, Thunderbolt™ (USB4®) header
Special Features Extreme Engine Digi+, ASUS Q-Design, ASUS Thermal Solution, ASUS EZ DIY, Aura Sync, Front Panel USB 20Gbps with PD Fast Charge Support
Software Features ROG Exclusive Software, ASUS Exclusive Software, AI Suite 3, MyASUS, USB Wattage Watcher, Intel® Unison™
UEFI BIOS 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, ASUS EZ DIY tools
Manageability WOL by PME, PXE
Accessories Cables, Cooling Kit, ASUS Wi-Fi Q-Antenna, Miscellaneous items, Documentation
Operating System Windows® 11, Windows® 10 64-bit
Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12″ x 9.6″ (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)