ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO DDR5 Gaming Motherboard

ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero

The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero boasts robust cooling, WiFi 7 and ample PCIe 5.0 slot for unmatched performance, and it offers full compatibility with Next-Gen Intel® Core™ processors. Meanwhile, its stealthy design is accentuated by new Polymo lighting, which illuminates the I/O shroud with a microstructural array of dual-layer RGB and adds a personalized touch of style to your gaming setup.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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*.

SUPREMEFX

ROG SupremeFX audio technology delivers an exceptional 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio to the line-in jack for pristine recording quality. There’s also a low-dropout regulator for cleaner power delivery to the SupremeFX ALC4082 codec and an integrated ESS® ES9218 Quad DAC capable of reaching -115dB THD+N for superior front-panel output. This combined solution allows for end-to-end 32-bit 384 kHz resolution playback that conveys all the subtlety and nuances of each audio track.

VRM AND ALUMINIUM 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.

THERMAL MANAGEMENT

An extensive array of headers line the ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero for precise cooling control and monitoring.

ROG WATER-COOLING ZONE

Dual water-temperature headers and a flow-rate header feed information straight into Armoury Crate, allowing you to track coolant temperatures and the flow rate of the entire loop.

ROG OVERCLOCKING TECHNOLOGIES

Psyche up and engage the Dark Hero overclocker in you, with onboard intelligence to scan, predict, and adapt CPU performance parameters, and tools to command and track system vitals.

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.

DIFFERENTIAL SENSING

Conventional motherboards use single-ended sensing tapped from a location that isn't ideal, leading to a large disparity between the actual voltage fed to the CPU and the value reported to software. The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero features a differential-sensing circuit and delicate IC that simplify overclocking and tuning by allowing you to track voltages more accurately.

TEAMED POWER ARCHITECTURE

Today's CPU architectures place incredible demands on motherboard power design by transitioning from deep power-saving modes, going from lower-power mode to full load in an instant. The latest ROG VRM architecture rises to the challenge by utilizing teamed power stages to rapidly swing current, while maintaining exemplary thermal performance.

MEMORY

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.

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.

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.

GROW YOUR GAMING WORLD WITH AURA SYNC

Up your game with complementary Aura Sync enhanced aesthetics, featuring preset lighting effects that can be easily synchronized across compatible ROG graphics cards, monitors, keyboards, and mice to give your setup a unified look.

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.

Q-CODE

The on-board LED panel shows 2-digit diagnostic codes, providing a valuable reference for troubleshooting common boot problems and hardware issues.

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.