In the world of motherboard technology, ASUS prides itself on quality, innovation, and performance. Their latest release, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero Motherboard, continues the tradition of excellence. As part of the Republic of Gamers (ROG) series, the Maximus Z790 Dark Hero Motherboard is built to handle the latest processors and components, making it perfect for all work and gaming setups.
Design and Aesthetics of the Dark Hero Motherboard
The Z790 Dark Hero Motherboard lives up to its bold and character-filled name. With its sleek and cool design, It is all black and comes with some subtle RGB lighting. You can customize the RGB lighting and make your gaming rig look exactly how you want it to. The ASUS Aura Sync technology lets you synchronize the lighting effects with other compatible components, creating a super cool visual experience. All of which makes it look really powerful and fancy.
Build Quality and Component Layout
Its build quality is also what makes ASUS the trusted brand that it is. The Dark Hero Motherboard feels solid and premium and the layout of the motherboard is well thought out. ASUS has put the connectors and headers in the right places, making it easy to manage your cables and keep your computer cool.
Powerful CPU Support
The Z790 Dark Hero Motherboard also supports the latest Intel processors, so you can choose the perfect CPU for your needs. Powered by Intel’s 14th Gen Core processors, this motherboard showcases the latest in computing technology. Whether you want a super powerful Core i9 processor or a more budget-friendly Core i5, this motherboard can handle it all without any problems. The Z790 Dark Hero is designed to extract every ounce of power from these processors, delivering a gaming experience that is smooth, lag-free, and visually stunning.
High-Speed Memory Support
Not only does the Dark Hero Motherboard support a wide range of CPUs, but it also works great with fast memory. It can handle DDR4 RAM at really fast speeds, so your computer will have the fastest and most responsive memory available.
Robust Power Delivery System
A truly impressive aspect of the Dark Hero Motherboard is its strong power delivery system. It has high-quality VRMs and capacitors that provide stable and efficient power to the CPU. This means you can push your CPU to its limits without worrying about any issues. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero also features enhanced cooling solutions, with multiple fan headers and dedicated areas for liquid cooling pumps, making sure your system stays cool even during intense gaming sessions. The AI Cooling feature in Armoury Crate is also a great way to keep your high-performance CPU from getting too hot.
Now let’s talk about how the Dark Hero Motherboard performs. With its powerful CPU support, fast memory compatibility, and strong power delivery, this motherboard gives you exceptional overall system performance.
Gaming Performance
If you’re a gamer, the Dark Hero Motherboard is perfect for building a high-performance gaming rig. It supports multiple graphics cards and fast storage options, so you can enjoy smooth gameplay, quick loading times, and amazing graphics. So say goodbye to lag and choppy framerates!
Productivity Performance
If you’re someone who does a lot of work on your computer, the Dark Hero Motherboard won’t let you down. Its strong power delivery system and advanced cooling keep your CPU cool even during intense workloads. You can edit videos, write code, or do complex simulations without worrying about any performance problems.
Connectivity and Expansion Options
When it comes to connecting things to your computer, the Dark Hero motherboard has you covered. With ample USB ports, Thunderbolt 4 support, and dual Ethernet ports, you won’t run out of ways to connect your peripherals or network devices. The Dark Hero also boasts multiple M.2 slots, allowing for fast storage solutions and expandability.
Specifications
Memory Support 4 x DIMM slots, max. 192GB, DDR5
8000+(OC)/7800+(OC)/7600(OC)/7400(OC)/7200(OC)/7000(OC)/6800(OC)/6600(OC)/6400(OC)/6200(OC)/6000(OC)/5800(OC)/5600/5400/5200/5000/4800MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory*
PCIe Slots 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots (support x16 or x8/x8 modes)
1 x PCIe 4.0 x4 slot
Storage 1 x M.2 22110 (supports PCIe 5.0 x4 mode)
4 x M.22280 (supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode)
Networking 2 x 2 Wi-Fi 7
1x Intel 2.5GB Ethernet
Rear I/O 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 ports (2 x USB Type-C®)
6 x USB 10Gbps ports (5 x Type-A + 1 x USB Type-C®)
4 x USB 5Gbps ports (4 x Type-A)
Front I/O 1 x USB 20Gbps connector (supports USB Type-C® with QC4+ up to 60W)
2 x USB 5Gbps headers (support 4 additional USB 5Gbps ports)
2 x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 additional USB 2.0 ports)
Aura Headers 3 x Addressable Gen 2 headers
1 x AURA RGB header
Fan Headers 1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header
1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan header
1 x 4-pin AIO Pump header
4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan headers
1 x W_PUMP+ header
1 x 2-pin Water In header
1 x 2-pin Water Out header
1 x 3-pin Water Flow header
Dimensions ATX Form Factor
12-inch x 9.6 inch (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero Motherboard is a beast when it comes to gaming and overclocking. Its advanced features, robust power delivery, and sleek design are what make it a top-tier motherboard. However, it is also important to note that this motherboard may come at a premium price tag, it’s definitely worth investing in if you want to build a high-end gaming rig or a powerful workstation. Besides the Dark Hero motherboard not only performs amazingly, but it also looks really cool all of which make it a standout choice.
If you are looking to upgrade to the Dark Hero, stock should hit SA shores by end-October.
Positives:
Supports three generations of Intel Core processors, including the 12th, 13th, and newly launched 14th gen. Future-ready with the latest, and yet to be launched, WiFi 7 integrated directly on the board.
ROG overclocking technologies include AI Overclocking and Differential sensing.
Negatives:
Premium products come with a premium price tag
Rating:
Design/Build – 10
Features – 10
Price – 8
Review supplied by ASUS South Africa
