ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI II LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard Review
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI II is a high-end ATX motherboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts who demand the best performance and features. It boasts a wide array of impressive features, including Intel Wi-Fi 7, PCIe 5.0 support, and 5 M.2 slots for blazing-fast storage. I’ve been using this motherboard for several weeks now, and I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.
Features
The ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI II is packed with features that cater to both performance and aesthetics. Here are some of the highlights:
- Intel Z790 Chipset: This chipset provides excellent overclocking capabilities and supports the latest Intel 13th and 14th Gen CPUs.
- Intel Wi-Fi 7: Experience next-generation wireless connectivity with speeds up to 2.4 Gbps.
- PCIe 5.0: Leverage the latest technology for ultra-fast data transfer speeds and the ability to utilize the newest NVMe SSDs.
- 5 x M.2 slots: Extensive storage options with support for PCIe 5.0/4.0 NVMe SSDs.
- ROG SupremeFX: Immersive audio experience with high-definition audio CODEC and 7.1 Surround Sound.
- Extensive I/O: Abundant USB ports, including USB Type-C, DisplayPort, and HDMI.
- ASUS Exclusive Software: Harness the power of Armoury Crate, AI Suite 3, and other tools for customization and system monitoring.
- RGB Lighting: Customize the aesthetics of your build with AURA Sync support for stunning lighting effects.
Performance
The ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI II delivers outstanding performance in all areas. I tested it with a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, and the results were impressive. The motherboard handled demanding tasks, such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering, with ease. Here’s a breakdown of my observations:
- CPU Performance: Overclocking the processor was smooth and resulted in significant performance gains. Temperatures remained well within acceptable levels even under heavy loads.
- Memory Performance: The DDR5 memory slots support speeds up to 7600 MHz, allowing for lightning-fast data access for demanding applications.
- Storage Performance: The PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots delivered phenomenal read and write speeds, significantly improving loading times for games and applications.
- Networking Performance: The Intel Wi-Fi 7 adapter provided a stable and fast wireless connection, even in demanding environments.
Pros & Cons
Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons I experienced during my testing:
Pros:
- Excellent performance for both gaming and professional workloads.
- Exceptional feature set, including PCIe 5.0, 5 M.2 slots, and Intel Wi-Fi 7.
- Strong overclocking capabilities.
- Impressive audio quality with ROG SupremeFX.
- User-friendly BIOS with extensive customization options.
- Robust software suite for system monitoring and customization.
Cons:
- Can be expensive compared to other Z790 motherboards.
- The RGB lighting can be overwhelming for some users.
Final Verdict
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI II is an exceptional motherboard that delivers top-notch performance, features, and aesthetics. It’s a strong contender for anyone building a high-end gaming PC or workstation. While the price tag might be a bit steep, the features and performance you get in return are well worth it.
If you’re looking for a motherboard that offers the best of the best, and you’re willing to pay for it, the ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI II is a great choice.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel® Socket LGA1700 for Intel® Core™ 14th & 13th Gen, Intel® Core™ 12th Gen, Pentium® Gold, and Celeron® Processors |
| Chipset | Intel® Z790 Chipset |
| Memory | 4 x DIMM slots, max. 192GB DDR5 |
| Graphics | 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI™ port |
| Expansion Slots | – Intel® CoreTM Processors: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot (x16 mode) – Intel® Z790 Chipset: 2 x PCIe 4.0 x16 slots (x4 mode) |
| Storage | – Supports 5 x M.2 slots (PCIe 5.0/4.0) – 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®, 11 x USB 10Gbps Type-A Front: 1 x USB 20Gbps Type-C®, 2 x USB 5Gbps headers, 3 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, DisplayPort, HDMI™ port, Wi-Fi Module, Ethernet, Audio jacks, BIOS FlashBack™, Clear CMOS button |
| Internal I/O Connectors | Fan headers, Power connectors, M.2 slots, SATA ports, USB headers |
| Miscellaneous | Addressable Gen 2 headers, AURA RGB header, Thunderbolt™ (USB4®) header, Special ASUS features |
| Software Features | ROG & ASUS Exclusive Software, Armoury Crate, AI Suite 3, MyAsus, UEFI BIOS, FlexKey, MemTest86, various trial software |
| 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 inch x 9.6 inch) |