Asus ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II Review

Cons

• M.2 sockets limited to PCIe 4.0, not 5.0

Asus ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II Specs

Form Factor	ATX
CPU Socket	Intel LGA 1700
Chipset	Intel Z790
Maximum Supported Memory	192 GB
No. of DIMM Slots	4
Memory Type	DDR5
Maximum Memory Speed	8000 MHz
SATA Connectors	4
M.2 Slots	5
PCI Express x16 Slots	2
PCI Express x1 Slots	1
Onboard Video Out for IGP (Rear Panel)	DisplayPort, HDMI
USB 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2 Ports Onboard (Rear Panel)	10
USB 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2 Ports Supported Via Header	3
USB 2.0 Ports Onboard (Rear Panel)	4
USB 2.0 Ports Supported Via Header	4
USB Type-C Header
Ethernet Jacks	1
Onboard Wireless	802.11be
aRGB Headers	3
S/PDIF Port
Onboard Audio Chipset	Realtek ALC4080
No. of Audio Channels	5.1

Asus has stated that its ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II motherboard offers Z790 refresh customers an optimal combination of “style, performance, cooling, and connectivity.” The motherboard showcases a black and silver aesthetic that has only undergone minor modifications from the previous Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi model. However, it enhances its capabilities with native support for 14th Gen Intel processors and Wi-Fi 7, five M.2 slots, improved memory speeds, a robust power delivery system, and a design that caters to DIY enthusiasts. Additionally, it incorporates Asus’s AI Overclocking and AI Cooling II technologies. Priced, it presents an appealing option within the midrange segment.

Board Design, CPU, and Memory

The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II is designed with a black multilayer PCB complemented by silver heatsinks and shrouds that effectively cover the heat-generating components. The left VRM heatsink features a frosted ROG emblem illuminated from beneath by RGB LEDs. This substantial and robust VRM heatsink ensures that the power delivery components operate within their specified limits. Overall, the motherboard presents an appealing aesthetic, striking a balance between moderate flair and competitiveness with similar products. Although the RGB lighting may not dominate the visual focus of your chassis, it enhances the overall appearance, highlighting the distinctive design of the board within.

The motherboard is compatible with Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th Generation LGA1700 processors, including the top-tier Core i9-14900K and KS models. During our testing, the 16 70A MOSFETs and associated support components managed the CPU effectively without any problems. The heatsinks maintained optimal performance of the power solution, even under overclocking conditions; however, they do become warm after prolonged intensive CPU usage.

Asus specifies that the motherboard supports memory speeds of up to DDR5-8000+ (OC), which represents an enhancement of 200MHz over the previous specification. This capability exceeds the typical requirements of most consumers, as it surpasses the optimal balance between performance and cost. Nevertheless, even the most dedicated enthusiasts will find satisfaction by adhering to the Qualified Vendor List (QVL) to ensure compatibility. Similar to other Z790 motherboards, this Strix model accommodates non-binary memory configurations (24/48GB modules) with a maximum capacity of 192GB, which is more than sufficient for demanding users.

The motherboard was evaluated with our DDR5-6000 and DDR5-7200 memory kits, both of which functioned seamlessly upon activation of the XMP profiles. Additionally, we tested a newly obtained DDR5-8000 kit that is not included in the QVL list; however, it was unsuccessful. In total, only two brands, comprising ten kits, are compatible, and this is exclusively with a 14th Generation processor that offers enhanced memory support.

Design and Internal Connections

In the upper corner, the initial components you notice are the dual ProCool II 8-pin EPS power connectors (one is necessary) designated for CPU power. Encircling these power connectors are substantial VRM heatsinks designed to dissipate heat from the components beneath. As previously noted, the sole integrated RGB feature is located atop the left VRM heatsink; the ROG emblem emits a sufficient glow that enhances the aesthetics without overwhelming the chassis or transforming your space into a vibrant party atmosphere.

Positioned above the primary VRM heatsink and adjacent to the EPS connectors are the initial three of a total of eight 4-pin fan headers. Each header can deliver a maximum output of 1A/12W, which is sufficient for the majority of setups. It is crucial to avoid overloading these headers, as doing so may result in permanent damage to the motherboard. The two CPU fan headers are capable of automatically identifying whether the connected devices are PWM or DC-based; however, for the remaining headers, manual selection of the type is required. The management of these devices is facilitated through the BIOS, Asus Armoury Crate, or Fan Expert 4 software.

To the right, one encounters four unreinforced DRAM slots, each equipped with a single locking mechanism positioned on top. Adjacent to these slots, along the right edge, is a notable DIY feature: the Q-LED array, which identifies issues during the POST process. Beneath this array are the initial RGB headers, comprising the first of three 3-pin ARGB headers and the only 4-pin RGB header. The management of these devices is facilitated by the Aura Sync software within Armoury Crate.

As we proceed along the perimeter, we come across the 24-pin ATX connector designated for motherboard power, the front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) Type-C connector, and a 19-pin front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) header. Additionally, this area features another user-friendly element, the Q-Release, which allows for the effortless unlocking of the primary graphics card slot with a simple button press, eliminating the need to manually depress the latch situated between the video card and the M.2 heatsink.

Sound, Amplification, Data Storage, and Rear Input/Output.

The audio section that is predominantly visible is located at the bottom left of the board. Concealed beneath a Faraday cage featuring the Supreme FX branding is a high-quality, contemporary Realtek ALC4080 codec. Although it supports only 5.1 surround sound instead of 7.1, the majority of users are likely to find this audio solution quite satisfactory.

The central area of the motherboard features three PCI Express slots along with all five M.2 connectors. The uppermost PCIe slot, which is reinforced, interfaces directly with the CPU and is the sole slot capable of PCIe 5.0 x16. The two lower slots connect via the chipset, supporting PCIe 4.0 x16 for the full-length slot and PCIe 3.0 x1 for the smaller slot. Although multi-GPU support is not specified in the technical details, the motherboard possesses adequate bandwidth to accommodate AMD CrossFire.

Concealed among the heatsinks situated between and around the PCI Express slots are five M.2 sockets. Each of these sockets operates on PCI Express 4.0 x4 (64Gbps), indicating that those in search of a PCIe 5.0 M.2 socket will need to explore other options. Notably, one of the sockets, designated as M.2_5, is compatible with SATA-based M.2 modules, providing additional versatility. As an added benefit, all five sockets are equipped with the M.2 Q-Latch developed by Asus, eliminating the need to handle small M.2 screws.

Proceeding from the chipset to the right edge, there are four SATA ports available. The motherboard supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configurations for both SATA and M.2 storage, allowing for either redundancy or enhanced speed based on the selected mode. Overall, the motherboard offers a wide array of storage options; however, the inclusion of a PCI Express 5.0-compatible M.2 socket would have been preferable, as competing motherboards in this price category feature such a socket.

At the lower edge of the motherboard, there are multiple headers, which include extra USB 2.0 ports, fan headers, front-panel audio connections, a COM port, ARGB headers, a Thunderbolt AIC header, a 2-pin temperature header, a clear-CMOS jumper, and the front-panel header.

The rear I/O features a preinstalled backplate adorned with black labels set against a white background, complemented by ROG branding. From left to right, the layout includes HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs, flanked by the clear-CMOS and BIOS-flashback buttons. Following these are multiple USB ports, which comprise two Type-C ports (one supporting 10Gbps and the other 20Gbps) alongside a total of ten Type-A ports: two at 10Gbps, four at 5Gbps, and four USB 2.0 ports. Adjacent to these ports is the Wi-Fi 7 connection, which utilizes a quick-attach Q-Antenna, in addition to a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port and a dual-plug plus SPDIF audio stack—there is nothing particularly noteworthy in this configuration.

UEFI Firmware and Associated Tools

The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II retains the same BIOS and underlying framework as its predecessor, featuring the familiar dark gray and red color palette associated with the Republic of Gamers. The use of white and yellow text enhances readability. Upon startup, users are greeted with EZ Mode, which presents essential system information such as CPU temperature, core voltage, DRAM status, and fan profiles, along with access to the Q-Fan functionality. Additionally, there is an EZ System Tuning button that enables users to adjust their system settings effortlessly. However, given that the Z790 chipset supports overclocking, users may achieve better performance by opting for manual overclocking.

The advanced section of the BIOS features a standard configuration layout, displaying key headings at the top such as My Favorites (which can be customized by the user), Main, AI Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tools, and Exit. This more extensive mode encompasses all functionalities intended for power users.

The AI Tweaker section encompasses all the settings necessary for fine-tuning and overclocking your system. Within this area, you have the ability to modify voltages, RAM speeds, and timings, as well as various overclocking parameters for the CPU. Although the power delivery options may not be exhaustive, they are certainly adequate. It is important to note that CPU temperatures and cooling solutions will likely become a limiting factor prior to any constraints imposed by the motherboard.

Within the Advanced section, there are multiple subheadings that allow for adjustments to the CPU, chipset, USB, audio, and network capabilities.

The monitoring section provides comprehensive information regarding temperatures, fan speeds, voltage levels, and the Q-Fan configuration, allowing for the adjustment of fan profiles. Additionally, Asus has incorporated predefined profiles along with the option to create and save personalized fan curves, fulfilling all expectations from a BIOS.

Asus has organized its BIOS in a logical manner, ensuring clarity and ease of navigation. The Z790 version offers a comprehensive range of adjustments, including options for overclocking both RAM and the processor. Among the major motherboard manufacturers, Asus’s BIOS is often my preferred choice due to its readability and the straightforward accessibility of its options. During our testing, version 1220 demonstrated exceptional stability.

In terms of software, Asus’s Armoury Crate offers a wide range of features, encompassing system optimization, monitoring, and management of RGB lighting and fan settings. The application is designed to align with the ROG aesthetic and provides a user-friendly experience. The initial screenshot presented below illustrates the landing page, detailing all the hardware components it can manage on our test system, along with the available functions, including fan control and RGB settings.

Fan Expert 4 is the module within Armoury Crate responsible for managing all fans and water pumps linked to the 4-pin headers. Users have the option to select from four predefined settings or to tailor each header according to their specific custom curve(s).

The Aura Sync section manages the RGB lighting features. It offers a variety of preset modes, including static, breathing, color cycle, rainbow, comet, glowing yo-yo, starry night, flash and dash, and strobing, all of which can be customized individually.

This comprehensive software suite from Asus offers a Windows-based solution for managing nearly all aspects of the BIOS. For those interested in overclocking, the AI Suite 3 software provides extensive control over the processor.

You can ultimately access and download the drivers, utilities, and support documents for your board in the Tools section. This area serves as a comprehensive resource for all downloadable materials.

We appreciate the features offered by the Armoury Crate software; however, the navigation through its various modules can occasionally be cumbersome. It would be beneficial to integrate the functionalities of AI Suite 3 into a cohesive software solution.

Verdict: An Innovative Update for Gaming

The Asus ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II serves as a midrange gaming motherboard, offering Intel desktop builders a comprehensive array of features at a competitive price point. This updated model boasts robust power delivery suitable for the latest processors, numerous rear USB ports (including two USB-C ports, one supporting 20Gbps), five M.2 slots, a modern audio codec, and an aesthetic that complements various build themes. Overall performance is satisfactory, with gaming results slightly exceeding average. In summary, it represents a solid upgrade; however, for those willing to update their BIOS, more affordable alternatives can be found among the original Z790 motherboards.

At a price of, the Gaming Wi-Fi II occupies a prominent position within the competitive midrange market. The ASRock Z790 Nova Wi-Fi emerges as the most affordable option, offering a notable advantage with its inclusion of a PCIe 5.0 M.2 socket. Similarly, both the MSI MPG Z790 Edge Ti Max and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Pro X are priced and also feature a PCIe 5.0 M.2 socket. Each of these models is equipped with five M.2 sockets, robust power delivery, and high-quality audio, making the decision largely dependent on budget and aesthetic preferences. However, enthusiasts of DDR5 memory will note that Gigabyte boasts the highest support, reaching DDR5-8266+ (OC). For those who prioritize integrated Wi-Fi 7 over a PCIe 5.0 SSD socket, the Asus model stands out as an excellent option.