ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Motherboard: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS Z790-AYW WIFI W II is an ATX motherboard for Intel's LGA 1700 processors, finished in white for builders who want a matching colour scheme. It uses the Z790 chipset, DDR5 memory and a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot, and it includes Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gb wired networking on the board. This page explains what those specs mean for a build.

Socket and processor support

The LGA 1700 socket is listed for Intel Core 14th and 13th Gen processors, as well as 12th Gen, Pentium Gold and Celeron. As with any board, it is worth checking ASUS's support list and BIOS version notes for the exact processor you plan to use, since some chips need a firmware update before they will start.

Power delivery and cooling

ASUS lists a 12+1 DrMOS power solution, a 6-layer PCB, ProCool power connectors, alloy chokes and durable capacitors. In general, the power stage converts the supply's voltage to what the processor needs, and more phases with integrated DrMOS parts help spread the load and heat. ASUS describes the design as aimed at stable power delivery.

For cooling, there are large heatsinks over the VRM, the M.2 slots and the chipset (PCH), plus hybrid fan headers. Fan Xpert 4 with AI Cooling II is ASUS's software for tuning fan behaviour.

Memory

The board uses DDR5 and the description mentions speeds of DDR5 8000+ with overclocking. Those figures depend on the memory kit and the processor's memory controller, so treat them as a ceiling rather than a default. ASUS also lists Enhanced Memory Profile II and OptiMem II, which are firmware features for loading and stabilising higher-speed memory profiles.

Expansion and storage

There is one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, which is the slot for a graphics card. PCIe 5.0 doubles the per-lane bandwidth of PCIe 4.0, though most current graphics cards do not yet need that much. The three M.2 slots are PCIe 4.0, which suits fast NVMe SSDs. M.2 Q-Latch is a tool-free clip that holds the drive in place without a tiny screw.

Connectivity

Rear and front-panel ports include USB 10Gbps Type-C and Type-A, and there is a header for Thunderbolt (USB4) support. A header is only the connection point on the board, so an add-in card or compatible hardware is typically needed to use it. Networking is Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet.

Extras for builders

• Q-LED Core: small indicator lights that show where a boot problem lies.
• BIOS FlashBack: lets you update the firmware from a USB drive without a processor installed.
• AI Noise Cancelation: software that filters background noise from a microphone.
• Aura Sync: RGB lighting control that coordinates with compatible components.

Who it suits

The board suits someone assembling an Intel desktop around an LGA 1700 chip who wants DDR5, current storage and a white look. It is a standard ATX size, so it needs a case that supports ATX.

What to check before you buy

• Processor and BIOS: confirm your chip is supported and whether a BIOS update is needed.
• Case and cooler: ATX case, and a cooler with an LGA 1700 mounting kit.
• Memory: DDR5 only, and not interchangeable with DDR4.
• Storage and ports: count the drives and USB devices you need against the three M.2 slots and the available ports.
• Thunderbolt: check what additional hardware the USB4 header needs.
• Wireless: confirm that the Wi-Fi 6 antenna is in the box.

The short version

• ATX Intel Z790 board with LGA 1700 socket and a white design.
• DDR5 memory support, with 12+1 DrMOS power delivery.
• PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots.
• Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gb LAN, USB 10Gbps Type-C and a USB4 header.
• BIOS FlashBack, Q-LED Core and Aura Sync RGB.

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