What To Know
- The Strix, on the other hand, sports a more subtle black and gray color scheme with subtle RGB accents and a smaller ROG logo.
- The Hero, however, offers a few exclusive features, such as a built-in POST code display, a BIOS Flashback button, and a ROG Hyper M.
- The Strix, on the other hand, offers a slightly more affordable option with a still-impressive feature set that will meet the needs of most gamers and content creators.
The battle for motherboard supremacy continues with the latest offerings from ASUS: the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi. Both motherboards are designed for high-end gaming and overclocking, but they cater to slightly different audiences. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the key features, specifications, and performance of these two flagship motherboards to determine which one emerges victorious.
Design and Aesthetics
The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi share a similar design philosophy, but with distinct accents. The Hero features a bold black and silver aesthetic with angular lines and a large ROG eye logo on the I/O shroud. The Strix, on the other hand, sports a more subtle black and gray color scheme with subtle RGB accents and a smaller ROG logo. Both motherboards offer a premium build quality with robust heatsinks and high-quality components.
Connectivity and Expansion
When it comes to connectivity and expansion, both motherboards offer an impressive array of options. They both feature four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, three PCIe 4.0 x1 slots, and two M.2 PCIe 5.0 slots. The Hero, however, has a slight edge with an additional PCIe 5.0 x1 slot and a dedicated Thunderbolt 4 header. Additionally, the Hero offers more USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports (2 vs. 1) and a 10Gb Ethernet port.
Power Delivery and Overclocking
For power delivery, both motherboards boast robust 20+1-phase VRMs with high-quality components. The Hero, however, features a slightly more powerful VRM with 105A power stages compared to the 90A power stages on the Strix. This gives the Hero a slight advantage in terms of power delivery and overclocking potential.
Features and Functionality
The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi come equipped with a wide range of features to enhance gaming and overclocking experiences. Both motherboards include AI-powered overclocking and fan control, as well as support for DDR5 memory up to 7600MHz. The Hero, however, offers a few exclusive features, such as a built-in POST code display, a BIOS Flashback button, and a ROG Hyper M.2 card for additional M.2 storage expansion.
Gaming Performance
In terms of gaming performance, both motherboards deliver exceptional speeds and stability. The PCIe 5.0 slots and high-speed memory support ensure fast data transfer rates and smooth gameplay. However, the Hero’s slightly more powerful VRM and overclocking potential may provide a slight edge in demanding games and overclocked scenarios.
Content Creation and Productivity
For content creators and professionals, both motherboards offer a robust feature set. The multiple PCIe 5.0 slots and M.2 slots provide ample storage and expansion options for high-bandwidth peripherals and large file transfers. The Hero’s Thunderbolt 4 header and 10Gb Ethernet port also provide additional connectivity options for external devices and high-speed networking.
Value for Money
The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi are both premium motherboards with a high price tag. The Hero is slightly more expensive than the Strix, but it offers a few exclusive features and a slightly more powerful VRM. Ultimately, the best value for money depends on your individual needs and budget.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi are both excellent motherboards for gaming, overclocking, and content creation. The Hero is the better choice for enthusiasts who demand the absolute best performance and the most comprehensive feature set. The Strix, on the other hand, offers a slightly more affordable option with a still-impressive feature set that will meet the needs of most gamers and content creators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a slightly more powerful VRM and higher-quality power stages, giving it a slight edge in overclocking potential.
Q: Does the ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi support DDR5 memory?
A: Yes, both motherboards support DDR5 memory up to 7600MHz.
Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 slots?
A: Both motherboards have four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots.
Q: Does the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero have a Thunderbolt 4 header?
A: Yes, the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a dedicated Thunderbolt 4 header.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are excellent for gaming, but the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero may provide a slight edge in demanding games and overclocked scenarios.
