ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WiFi 7 Motherboard: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WiFi 7 is an ATX motherboard for Intel's LGA 1700 socket. It pairs DDR5 memory and a PCIe 5.0 slot with Wi-Fi 7 and three M.2 slots, so it is built for desktop PCs that need current connectivity and room for storage. Here is what the main specs mean for a build.

Socket and processor support

LGA 1700 is the socket used by Intel Core 12th, 13th and 14th Generation desktop processors. ASUS says this board is ready for 14th and 13th Gen, as well as 12th Gen, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors. Depending on the board's BIOS version, some processors may need an update before they start, so check ASUS's CPU support list for the model.

Power delivery and cooling

The power design is listed as 14+1 DrMOS on a 6-layer PCB, with ProCool connectors, alloy chokes and durable capacitors. In general, the voltage regulator module converts power from the supply into the steady, low voltage the processor needs, and more phases spread the load across more components. ASUS says the result is stable power delivery.

For cooling it lists large VRM heatsinks, a PCH heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 4 with AI Cooling II, the ASUS software for fan control.

Memory

The board uses DDR5, the current desktop memory generation. ASUS also lists its Enhanced Memory Profile II and OptiMem II technologies, which relate to memory profiles and signal routing for stable speeds. Check ASUS's memory support list for the kits that have been validated.

Storage and expansion

There are three M.2 slots, listed as PCIe 4.0, so you can fit several NVMe solid-state drives without adapters. The board also has a PCIe 5.0 slot. PCIe 5.0 doubles the bandwidth per lane over 4.0, which matters mostly for the newest graphics cards and the fastest drives. Many components today work well on 4.0.

Networking, ports and software

Wi-Fi 7 is listed, along with Realtek 1Gb Ethernet. ASUS notes that on Windows 11, Wi-Fi 7 needs version 24H2 or later for full functions, with earlier versions limited to Wi-Fi 6E. For Windows 10, the listing says no driver is available for the Wi-Fi chipset, so check the chipset vendor.

Ports and headers include HDMI, a rear USB 20Gbps Type-C, a front USB 5Gbps Type-C header and Thunderbolt (USB4) header support. Aura Sync handles RGB lighting, and ASUS lists Q-LED Core diagnostics, DriverHub, Armoury Crate and SafeSlot Core+ for the graphics slot.

Who it suits

It suits builders putting together a new Intel desktop with DDR5, several drives and a fast wireless connection, and people who want RGB control and fan tuning in one software suite.

What to check before you buy

• Processor: confirm your CPU is on the supported list, and whether it needs a BIOS update.
• Memory: this is a DDR5 board, so DDR4 modules will not fit.
• Case and cooler: check the ATX size fits your case and your cooler works with the LGA 1700 socket.
• Operating system: check the Windows version if you want Wi-Fi 7 features.
• Thunderbolt: the listing mentions header support, so a Thunderbolt add-in card may be needed for those ports.
• Manual: follow ASUS's installation guide for the processor and heatsinks.

The short version

• ATX board for Intel LGA 1700 (12th, 13th and 14th Gen).
• 14+1 DrMOS power design and large VRM and PCH heatsinks.
• DDR5 memory, a PCIe 5.0 slot and three M.2 slots.
• Wi-Fi 7, 1Gb Ethernet, HDMI and rear USB 20Gbps Type-C.
• Aura Sync, Fan Xpert 4 and Armoury Crate software.

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