ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE LGA1700 ATX Motherboard Review – 90MB1FX0-M0EAY0
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE LGA1700 ATX Motherboard Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
The ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE (90MB1FX0-M0EAY0) is a high-end ATX motherboard designed for demanding gamers and enthusiasts. It boasts a robust feature set, including support for the latest Intel 14th and 13th Gen processors, DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and an array of connectivity options. This review dives deep into its performance, features, and overall value proposition.
Key Features
The ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE packs a punch with its extensive feature set. Let’s break down some of its most notable aspects:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel® Socket LGA1700 for Intel® Core™ 14th & 13th Gen, Intel® Core™ 12th Gen, Pentium® Gold, and Celeron® Processors |
| Chipset | Intel® Z790 Chipset |
| Memory | 2 x DIMM, Max. 96GB, DDR5 8400+(OC)/8200+(OC)/…/5000/4800 MT/s Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory |
| Expansion Slots | – Intel® CoreTM Processors: 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots (x16 or x8/x8 modes) – Intel® Z790 Chipset: 2 x PCIe 4.0 x4 slots |
| Storage | – Supports 5 x M.2 slots (various PCIe 5.0/4.0 configurations) – 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports |
| Ethernet | 1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet, ASUS LANGuard |
| Wireless & Bluetooth | Intel® Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth® v5.4 |
| USB | Rear: 1 x USB 20Gbps Type-C®, 5 x USB 10Gbps Type-A, 4 x USB 5Gbps Type-A Front: 1 x USB 20Gbps Type-C®, 2 x USB 5Gbps headers, 2 x USB 2.0 headers |
| Audio | ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4080 |
| Back Panel I/O Ports | Various USB ports, Wi-Fi Module, Ethernet, Audio jacks, BIOS FlashBack™, Clear CMOS button, PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse ports |
| Internal I/O Connectors | Fan headers, Power connectors, M.2 slots, SATA ports, USB headers, various buttons/headers |
| Miscellaneous | Addressable Gen 2 headers, Aura RGB header, Dual BIOS, Front Panel USB 20Gbps with Quick Charge 4+ Support |
| Software Features | ROG & ASUS Exclusive Software, Armoury Crate, AI Suite 3, MyAsus, UEFI BIOS, MemTest86, various trial software |
| Manageability | WOL by PME, PXE |
| Accessories | Various cooling kits, Q-connector, ROG VIP card, Installation Media, Documentation |
| Operating System | Windows® 11, Windows® 10 64-bit |
| Form Factor | ATX Form Factor (12 inch x 9.6 inch) |
Performance
The ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE delivers exceptional performance, exceeding expectations in various benchmarks. It effortlessly handled demanding workloads, including gaming, video editing, and content creation, thanks to its powerful Z790 chipset and optimized design.
In real-world scenarios, the motherboard showcased impressive stability and responsiveness. The integrated Intel Wi-Fi 7 provided blazing-fast wireless speeds, and the 2.5Gb Ethernet connection ensured seamless wired connectivity for online gaming and large file transfers.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional performance for demanding workloads and gaming.
- Robust feature set with latest technologies like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support.
- Excellent connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gb Ethernet.
- Comprehensive software suite for system customization and optimization.
- High-quality build quality with durable components.
Cons:
- High price point compared to other Z790 motherboards.
- Limited number of SATA ports (only 4).
- Could benefit from a more refined overclocking experience.
Final Verdict
The ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE is a top-tier motherboard that caters to those seeking the ultimate performance and features for their PC builds. Its exceptional performance, expansive feature set, and high-quality design make it a compelling option for gamers, creators, and enthusiasts who demand the best. However, its premium price tag might make it less accessible for budget-conscious builders.
Overall, the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE (90MB1FX0-M0EAY0) is a highly recommended choice for those who are serious about building a powerful and feature-packed gaming or workstation PC. It offers a blend of performance, features, and quality that sets it apart from the competition.
