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Asus Z790-AYW OC WiFi specifications and in-depth review

Asus Z790-AYW OC WiFi

Manufacturer: Asus

The Asus Z790-AYW OC WiFi is a feature-rich ATX motherboard designed for modern computing setups. With an LGA 1700 socket and support for Wi-Fi 6, it delivers a solid foundation for high-performance systems. Easy overclocking is supported, making it suitable for enthusiasts looking to push their hardware.

This motherboard supports up to 96GB of RAM at a maximum speed of 5600 MHz, with the potential to overclock to 8200 MHz. It also includes a range of connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and HDMI 2.1 output, along with RAID support for various configurations like RAID 1 and RAID 10.

Pros
  • Supports up to 96GB of RAM, providing ample memory capacity for demanding applications.
  • Offers multiple RAID configurations including RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0) for flexible storage options.
  • Includes 3 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, allowing for high-speed expansion with modern graphics cards and other peripherals.
  • Has built-in Bluetooth 5.3 support, ensuring reliable wireless connectivity for various devices.
  • Equipped with multiple USB ports, including USB Type-C, for versatile peripheral connections.
Cons
  • Lacks support for PCIe 5.0, which limits future-proofing for cutting-edge expansion cards.
  • Does not include an S/PDIF Out port, limiting audio output options for some users.
  • No mSATA or U.2 connectors, reducing compatibility with certain older or specialized storage devices.
  • No support for RAID 0+1, which may be a limitation for users seeking that specific configuration for redundancy and performance.
Who is this for?

The Asus Z790-AYW OC WiFi motherboard is ideal for users who need a robust, high-performance system with ample expansion options. It is well-suited for gaming enthusiasts and content creators who require 3 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for high-speed graphics cards and other peripherals, and those seeking flexible storage options with RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 support. Additionally, its built-in Bluetooth 5.3 and USB Type-C connectivity make it an excellent choice for users looking to connect a variety of modern devices wirelessly and through fast data ports.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be the best choice for users seeking the latest in expansion and connectivity standards, as it lacks PCIe 5.0 slots, which limits support for next-gen hardware. It also does not support RAID 0+1, which could be a drawback for those who require that specific RAID configuration for a balance of redundancy and speed. Additionally, its lack of an S/PDIF Out port may be limiting for audiophiles or users with high-end audio setups.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1700
chipset Z790
form factor ATX
release date June 2024
supports Wi-Fi ✓
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Has Bluetooth ✓
Bluetooth version 5.3
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock ✓
has RGB lighting ✓
Easy to reset BIOS ✓
Has dual BIOS ✓
has aptX ✕
CPU sockets 1
Has integrated graphics ✕
warranty period 3 years
height 244 mm
width 305 mm
Has integrated CPU ✕

The Asus Z790-AYW OC WiFi motherboard features an LGA 1700 CPU socket and is compatible with Z790 chipsets, offering flexibility for modern Intel processors. It supports Wi-Fi 6, as well as earlier Wi-Fi versions (Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5), ensuring reliable wireless connectivity. Additionally, this motherboard includes Bluetooth 5.3 support, HDMI 2.1 output, and RGB lighting for customization. Key features also include easy overclocking, dual BIOS, and a 3-year warranty period.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 96GB
RAM speed (max) 5600 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 8200 MHz
memory slots 2
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory ✕

The Asus Z790-AYW OC WiFi motherboard supports a maximum memory size of 96GB, with a maximum RAM speed of 5600 MHz. It also allows overclocking to achieve speeds of up to 8200 MHz. The motherboard features two memory slots and operates on dual-channel memory, but it does not support ECC memory.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 2.0 ports 4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 0
USB 4 40Gbps ports 0
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
Thunderbolt 4 ports 0
Thunderbolt 3 ports 0
has an HDMI output ✓
DisplayPort outputs 0
RJ45 ports 1
Has USB Type-C ✓
eSATA ports 0
DVI outputs 0
has a VGA connector ✕
PS/2 ports 0

The Asus Z790-AYW OC WiFi motherboard provides a variety of port options, including USB Type-C support and a single HDMI output. It offers 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (USB-A), 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A), and 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (USB-C), as well as 4 USB 2.0 ports. Additionally, it includes 1 RJ45 port for wired networking, but lacks Thunderbolt, eSATA, and DisplayPort outputs.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 4
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion) 4
SATA 3 connectors 4
fan headers 5
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion) 4
M.2 sockets 3
Has TPM connector ✓
U.2 sockets 0
Has mSATA connector ✕
SATA 2 connectors 0

The Asus Z790-AYW OC WiFi motherboard provides several connectors, including 3 M.2 sockets for fast storage options and 4 SATA 3 connectors for additional drives. It also features 5 fan headers for cooling and supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 expansion with 4 ports, along with 4 additional USB 2.0 ports. The board is equipped with a TPM connector, but lacks mSATA and U.2 connectors.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots 3
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x1 slots 2
PCI slots 0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x4 slots 0
PCIe x8 slots 0

The Asus Z790-AYW OC WiFi motherboard features 3 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for high-speed expansion cards, as well as 2 PCIe x1 slots for smaller peripherals. Notably, it does not include any PCIe 5.0, PCIe 3.0, or older PCI slots, ensuring a modern and streamlined expansion setup.

Audio:

audio channels 7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port ✕
audio connectors 3

The Asus Z790-AYW OC WiFi motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels, providing a rich and immersive sound experience. It is equipped with 3 audio connectors for flexible speaker and headset setups, though it does not include an S/PDIF Out port.

Storage:

Supports RAID 1 ✓
Supports RAID 10 (1+0) ✓
Supports RAID 5 ✓
Supports RAID 0 ✓
Supports RAID 0+1 ✕

The Asus Z790-AYW OC WiFi motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations for flexible storage setups, including RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0), allowing for improved redundancy and performance. It also supports RAID 0 for high-speed storage, but does not support RAID 0+1.

Final Verdict

The Asus Z790-AYW OC WiFi motherboard offers strong performance and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for power users, gamers, and content creators. With its ample 3 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, built-in Bluetooth 5.3, and multiple RAID support options, it is designed to handle demanding tasks and provide connectivity for modern peripherals. While it lacks some of the latest features like PCIe 5.0 and RAID 0+1, it remains a solid and reliable option for those who prioritize stability and expandability in their builds.

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