What To Know
- The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero features a striking black and silver design with angular accents and a large ROG logo on the I/O shroud.
- The ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi, on the other hand, has a more subdued black and gray design with a smaller ROG logo.
- The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi are both excellent motherboards that offer a wide range of features and performance.
The latest generation of motherboards from ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) offers an array of options for enthusiasts and gamers alike. Among the most popular choices are the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi. Both motherboards boast impressive features and specifications, but they also have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the details of each motherboard to help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ROG Maximus Z790 Hero | ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z790 | Intel Z790 |
| Memory Slots | 4x DDR5 (up to 64GB) | 4x DDR5 (up to 64GB) |
| M.2 Slots | 5x PCIe 4.0 NVMe | 3x PCIe 4.0 NVMe, 1x PCIe 3.0 NVMe |
| PCIe Slots | 3x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1 | 2x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| USB Ports | 10x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | 8x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 |
| Audio | SupremeFX ALC4080 codec | SupremeFX ALC4082 codec |
| Ethernet | 2x 2.5GbE LAN | 1x 2.5GbE LAN, 1x 1GbE LAN |
| Wi-Fi | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 |
| RGB Lighting | Aura Sync RGB | Aura Sync RGB |
| Overclocking | Extensive BIOS options | Extensive BIOS options |
Design and Aesthetics
The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero features a striking black and silver design with angular accents and a large ROG logo on the I/O shroud. The ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi, on the other hand, has a more subdued black and gray design with a smaller ROG logo. Both motherboards have RGB lighting that can be customized to match your system’s aesthetics.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero offers a more comprehensive set of options. It has two 2.5GbE LAN ports, while the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi has only one. The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero also has a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, which provides faster data transfer speeds than the USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports found on the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi.
Audio
Both motherboards feature high-quality audio codecs, but the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a slight edge in this area. It uses the SupremeFX ALC4080 codec, which offers a higher signal-to-noise ratio and lower distortion than the SupremeFX ALC4082 codec used on the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi.
Overclocking
Both motherboards offer extensive overclocking options in their BIOS. However, the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a few additional features that make it more appealing to overclockers. These features include a dedicated overclocking button, a voltage monitoring panel, and a water cooling header.
Price
The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is priced at around $450, while the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi is priced at around $350. The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is the more expensive option, but it also offers a wider range of features and better performance.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi are both excellent motherboards that offer a wide range of features and performance. The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is the better choice for enthusiasts who want the most advanced features and best possible performance. The ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi is a more affordable option that still offers excellent performance and a wide range of features.
Recommendations
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for the most advanced motherboard with the best possible performance, the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is the clear choice. If you are looking for a more affordable option that still offers excellent performance, the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi is a great choice.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q1. Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A1. The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has 5x PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 slots, while the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi has 3x PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 slots and 1x PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 slot.
Q2. Which motherboard has better audio?
A2. The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a slightly better audio codec than the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi. It uses the SupremeFX ALC4080 codec, which offers a higher signal-to-noise ratio and lower distortion.
Q3. Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A3. The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a few more overclocking features than the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi, including a dedicated overclocking button, a voltage monitoring panel, and a water cooling header.
