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Asus Z790 Max Gaming Wi-Fi7 specifications and in-depth review

Asus Z790 Max Gaming Wi-Fi7

Manufacturer: Asus

The Asus Z790 Max Gaming Wi-Fi7 motherboard is a feature-rich choice for high-performance gaming and computing setups. With its LGA 1700 CPU socket and support for Wi-Fi 7, this motherboard is designed to meet the demands of modern processors and next-gen wireless standards.

Key technical features include 192GB maximum memory capacity, support for DDR5 RAM, and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots. It also offers robust connectivity options with 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and an HDMI 2.1 output, making it ideal for building a versatile and future-proof system.

Pros
  • Supports Wi-Fi 7, along with previous versions like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5, offering versatile wireless connectivity.
  • Equipped with 3 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for flexible and high-speed expansion options.
  • Has 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound experience, making it suitable for high-quality audio setups.
  • Supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10, providing data redundancy and performance optimization.
  • Includes 5 fan headers, ensuring enhanced cooling options for high-performance setups.
Cons
  • Lacks Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 support, limiting ultra-fast connectivity options.
  • Does not support integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for video output.
  • No S/PDIF Out port, which may limit certain audio setups that require this output.
  • Does not support RAID 0+1, reducing RAID redundancy options for users seeking a combination of speed and data protection.
  • No USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 or USB 4 ports, limiting high-speed data transfer capabilities.
Who is this for?

This motherboard is ideal for users seeking a high-performance system with versatile expansion options, such as gamers and content creators. The inclusion of 3 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot provides ample room for multiple graphics cards or other expansion cards, while 7.1 audio channels deliver immersive sound for media-heavy tasks. Additionally, the ability to support multiple RAID configurations like RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 makes it a great choice for those prioritizing data security and redundancy in demanding applications.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be the best option for users needing ultra-fast data transfer speeds, as it lacks Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 support and USB 4 ports. Additionally, the absence of integrated graphics means a discrete GPU is required, which could be a limitation for users building a budget or compact system. It also may not be ideal for those relying on RAID 0+1 for a combination of speed and redundancy, as this feature is not supported.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1700
chipset Z790
form factor ATX
release date May 2025
supports Wi-Fi ✓
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Has Bluetooth ✓
Bluetooth version 5.4
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 234 mm
width 305 mm
Has integrated CPU ✕

The Asus Z790 Max Gaming Wi-Fi7 motherboard features an LGA 1700 CPU socket and is compatible with the Z790 chipset, making it suitable for high-performance Intel processors. It supports a range of Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and the latest Wi-Fi 7, providing versatile wireless connectivity. Additionally, the board is equipped with built-in Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless device pairing and RGB lighting for enhanced aesthetics. However, it does not support integrated graphics or include dual BIOS functionality.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 192GB
RAM speed (max) 5600 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 7200 MHz
memory slots 4
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory ✕

The Asus Z790 Max Gaming Wi-Fi7 motherboard supports up to 192GB of memory across four DDR5 memory slots, with a maximum RAM speed of 5600 MHz and overclocked speeds reaching up to 7200 MHz. It operates with dual memory channels for enhanced performance but 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) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 2.0 ports 4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 1
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 1

The Asus Z790 Max Gaming Wi-Fi7 motherboard offers a variety of ports for connectivity, including 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (USB-A), and 4 USB 2.0 ports. It also features 1 RJ45 port for network connectivity and has HDMI output for display. Notably, the motherboard includes a USB Type-C port, but lacks support for Thunderbolt 3/4 or DisplayPort outputs.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 4
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports (through expansion) 0
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion) 0
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 Max Gaming Wi-Fi7 motherboard provides several expansion and connection options, including 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and 4 USB 2.0 ports through expansion. It also supports 4 SATA 3 connectors, 3 M.2 sockets for high-speed storage, and 5 fan headers for effective cooling. Additionally, it has a TPM connector for enhanced security, but lacks mSATA and U.2 connectors.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots 3
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots 1
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x1 slots 1
PCI slots 0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x4 slots 0
PCIe x8 slots 0

The Asus Z790 Max Gaming Wi-Fi7 motherboard offers a range of expansion options, including 3 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed GPU and other card installations. It also provides 1 PCIe x1 slot for additional expansion cards, but lacks PCIe x8, x4, and PCI slots, as well as older PCIe 2.0 x16 slots.

Audio:

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

The Asus Z790 Max Gaming Wi-Fi7 motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound quality. It features 3 audio connectors for flexible audio device connections but 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 Max Gaming Wi-Fi7 motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0), offering flexible options for data redundancy and performance. It also supports RAID 0 for improved speed, but does not support RAID 0+1.

Final Verdict

The motherboard is a robust option for users who demand flexibility and performance, particularly those looking to build a system with multiple expansion cards or enhanced data security. Its support for 3 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 makes it an excellent choice for power users, gamers, and content creators. However, the absence of integrated graphics and lack of Thunderbolt support may limit its appeal for more budget-conscious or compact system builders. Overall, it is a highly capable motherboard for high-performance builds, with a strong focus on storage options and expansion potential.