What To Know
- The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are both capable of overclocking, but the Maximus Z790 Hero has a slight edge due to its higher-rated power delivery and improved cooling capabilities.
- The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, on the other hand, has a more traditional ROG design with a black and red color scheme and a more aggressive look.
- For gamers seeking a high-performance motherboard at a reasonable price, the Strix Z790-F is an excellent choice.
The realm of high-performance gaming motherboards has witnessed an epic clash between two titans: the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero. Both motherboards boast exceptional features and cutting-edge technology, promising an unparalleled gaming experience. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the depths of these two contenders, comparing their specifications, performance, and overall value to determine which motherboard reigns supreme.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F | ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Z790 | Z790 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Memory | Up to 128GB DDR5 (6400MHz+) | Up to 128GB DDR5 (6800MHz+) |
| Storage | 4x M.2 slots (PCIe 5.0 x4), 6x SATA III ports | 5x M.2 slots (PCIe 5.0 x4), 8x SATA III ports |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Rear I/O | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (Type-C), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A), 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A), 1x USB 2.0 (Type-A), 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x 2.5GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E, 1x Bluetooth 5.3 | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (Type-C), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A), 6x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A), 1x USB 2.0 (Type-A), 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 2x 2.5GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E, 1x Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Power Delivery | 18+1 power stages (90A) | 20+1 power stages (105A) |
| Cooling | VRM heatsink, PCH heatsink, M.2 heatsinks | VRM heatsink, PCH heatsink, M.2 heatsinks, fan headers |
| RGB Lighting | Yes, Aura Sync compatible | Yes, Aura Sync compatible |
| Price | $399.99 | $599.99 |
Performance
Both the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero deliver exceptional performance. The Strix Z790-F offers solid overclocking capabilities, while the Maximus Z790 Hero pushes the boundaries with its higher-rated power delivery and memory support. In gaming benchmarks, both motherboards provide near-identical performance, ensuring a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
Features
Networking: The Maximus Z790 Hero boasts an advantage with dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, providing faster and more stable wired connections.
Storage: The Maximus Z790 Hero offers an extra M.2 slot and two additional SATA III ports, giving users more storage options.
Audio: Both motherboards feature Realtek ALC4080 audio codecs, but the Maximus Z790 Hero includes a dedicated ESS ES9218PQ DAC for enhanced audio quality.
Cooling: The Maximus Z790 Hero has a larger VRM heatsink and additional fan headers, providing more cooling options for demanding overclocking setups.
RGB Lighting: Both motherboards support Aura Sync RGB lighting, allowing users to customize their systems’ aesthetics. However, the Maximus Z790 Hero has more RGB headers for expanded lighting possibilities.
Value
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F offers excellent value for its price, providing a solid foundation for gaming and overclocking. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, while more expensive, offers premium features such as dual 2.5GbE LAN, enhanced audio, and improved cooling, making it a better choice for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate gaming experience.
Overclocking
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are both capable of overclocking, but the Maximus Z790 Hero has a slight edge due to its higher-rated power delivery and improved cooling capabilities. Both motherboards allow users to push their CPUs and memories to their limits for maximum performance.
Aesthetics
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F features a sleek black and gray design with a cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, on the other hand, has a more traditional ROG design with a black and red color scheme and a more aggressive look. Both motherboards have customizable RGB lighting, allowing users to match their systems’ aesthetics.
Wrap-Up: The Victor Emerges
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are both exceptional gaming motherboards. The Strix Z790-F offers excellent value and performance, while the Maximus Z790 Hero provides premium features and unparalleled overclocking capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between these two titans depends on the user’s specific needs and budget. For gamers seeking a high-performance motherboard at a reasonable price, the Strix Z790-F is an excellent choice. For enthusiasts demanding the absolute best, the Maximus Z790 Hero is the undisputed champion.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better memory support?
A: The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero supports faster memory speeds (6800MHz+) compared to the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F (6400MHz+).
Q: Does the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F have Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, both the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero feature built-in Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting headers?
A: The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has more RGB headers for expanded lighting possibilities.
Q: Can I overclock my CPU on both motherboards?
A: Yes, both the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero allow users to overclock their CPUs.
Q: Which motherboard is better for enthusiasts?
A: The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is the better choice for enthusiasts due to its premium features, enhanced overclocking capabilities, and improved cooling.
