ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H Gaming WiFi motherboard: features and specs

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H Gaming WiFi is an ATX motherboard built around Intel's Z790 chipset and the LGA1700 socket. It is the part of a PC that every other component plugs into, and this one is aimed at gamers and enthusiasts building around 12th or 13th Generation Intel Core processors. Here is what its main specifications mean.

Socket and processor support

The LGA1700 socket supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors, according to the listing. The Z790 chipset is the higher-end tier of its generation, which typically allows processor overclocking when paired with an unlocked CPU. Check ASUS's support page for the exact processor list and any BIOS update needed for your chip.

DDR5 memory

The board has four DDR5 slots and supports up to 128GB of RAM. DDR5 offers higher bandwidth than DDR4, but the two types are not interchangeable: DDR5 modules do not fit DDR4 slots. If you are reusing memory from an older PC, it will not work here.

PCIe 5.0 and storage

The listing highlights PCIe 5.0 support. PCIe 5.0 roughly doubles the per-lane bandwidth of PCIe 4.0, which matters most for the newest graphics cards and fast SSDs. Four M.2 slots let you install several NVMe drives without adding cards. Not every slot necessarily runs at the same speed or shares lanes in the same way, so the manual's slot table is worth reading before you plan a multi-drive setup.

Networking

Networking includes Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet and Wi-Fi. The listing text says both "Wi-Fi 6" and "Wi-Fi 6E" in different places, so confirm the exact version on the ASUS specification page. Wi-Fi 6E adds the 6GHz band, which can help in crowded wireless environments if your router supports it. A 2.5Gb wired port is faster than standard gigabit Ethernet, but you need a matching router or switch to use that speed.

Display outputs and other ports

The board has HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, and ASUS lists HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 4 support. These video outputs work only with processors that have integrated graphics. If you use a separate graphics card, you will typically connect your monitor to the card instead. USB 3.2 Gen 2 is also listed for fast external drives.

Lighting

ASUS Aura Sync lets compatible devices share lighting effects, and the RGB Gen 2 connector is used for synchronizing compatible lighting strips and other accessories. The board is black with RGB elements.

Who it suits

This motherboard suits builders who want a full-size ATX platform with room for several drives, modern memory and a current Intel processor. It is also a reasonable base for a gaming PC that you plan to upgrade over time.

What to check before you buy

• Processor compatibility: confirm your CPU is supported and whether a BIOS update is needed first.
• Memory type: you need DDR5 modules, not DDR4.
• Case size: ATX boards need a case that supports the ATX form factor.
• Cooler and power supply: check the CPU cooler's LGA1700 mounting and your power supply's connectors.
• Storage plans: read the manual to see how the four M.2 slots share bandwidth.
• What's in the box: check which cables, antenna and screws come with it.
• Operating system: you will need to install an operating system and drivers yourself.

The short version

• ATX motherboard with Intel Z790 chipset and LGA1700 socket, model 90MB1E10-M0EAY0.
• Four DDR5 slots, up to 128GB of memory.
• PCIe 5.0 support and four M.2 slots.
• Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet and onboard wireless networking.
• Aura Sync RGB lighting and RGB Gen 2 connector.

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