ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE

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APEX ENCORE

ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore

The ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore boasts a sleek all-black design, robust appearance, upgraded power solution and an onboard PCIe® 5.0 M.2 slot for lightning-fast storage. Meanwhile, the ROG Memory Fan Kit offers active cooling to let tinkerers push DDR5 to the limit. And support for Intel® Core™ 14th generation processors lets users set new benchmarks for the wealth of activities that demand peak performance. This motherboard is the ultimate choice for enthusiasts and overclockers seeking style and power in their gaming setup. This platform delivers the power and connectivity that advanced AI PC applications demand.

Click to check our Z790 Motherboard Guide


ROG
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The ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore is the ultimate partner for any Intel 14th Gen processor.
  • x1 onboard M.2 slot, and x2 PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • ROG DIMM.2

    Adds x2 M.2 slots in a DIY-friendly shell

  • Effortless performance boost

  • One-click fan tuning

  • 24+0+2 Power Stages

SPEC OVERVIEW

  • Cooling
  • Gaming Immersion
  • Connectivity

Extreme Power & Performance

Performance specs of the ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore Performance specs of the ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore
  1. DUAL PROCOOL II POWER
    CONNECTORS
  2. 24+0+2 POWER STAGES
  3. EXPANSION SLOTS

    ・ 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Safeslots (x16, x8/x8)

    ・ 2 x PCIe 4.0 x4 Slots

  4. INTEL® SOCKET LGA 1700

    For 14th & 13th Gen Intel® Core Processors, and 12th Gen Intel® Core, Pentium® Gold, and Celeron® Processors

  5. DDR5, 2 X DIMM

    ・ Max. 96GB

    ・ Dual Channel

  6. 5 X M.2 SLOTS

    ・ 1 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 5.0 x4)

    ・ 1 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4)

    ・ 1 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4 & SATA)

    ・ 2 x M.2 22110 (PCIe 4.0 x4) (via ROG DIMM.2 Card)

PERFORMANCE

  • Power Design
  • Memory

ROG OVERCLOCKING TECHNOLOGIES

Tried and tested OC features offer extensive control over system performance for seasoned veterans and new recruits alike. Leverage onboard intelligence to automatically adapt CPU performance, or get a headstart on manual tuning and then utilize advanced tools and utilities to stay on the pulse and push boundaries.

  • Overclocker's Toolkit
  • Differential Sensing
  • Condensation Detection

AI OVERCLOCKING

Tuning is now faster and smarter than ever before. ASUS AI Overclocking profiles the CPU and cooling to predict the optimal configuration and push the system to its limits. Predicted values can be engaged automatically or used as a launching ground for further experimentation.

AI Overclocking lets you automatically optimize performance.
Overclocker's toolkit includes hardware and software tools to aid in the oc process.

OVERLOCKER'S TOOLKIT

The ROG Overclocker’s Toolkit is a powerful set of hardware-level controls to enhance your overclocking experience. Some are quick and easy time savers, while others offer masterful functionality to help you smash benchmarks and break records.

  1. SAFE BOOT BUTTON

    Instantly reset the PC and boot directly into Safe mode.

  2. BCLK BUTTONS

    Adjust the BCLK frequency to improve system performance.

  3. PROBEIT

    Includes twelve integrated measurement points for advanced tuning.

  4. RETRY BUTTON

    Instantly initiates a hard reset with just a press.

  5. SLOW MODE SWITCH

    Reduces the CPU ratio to 8X to keep the system stable during setup for extreme overclocking.

  6. PAUSE SWITCH

    Pause the system and fine-tune OC parameters mid-benchmark.

  7. RSVD SWITCH

    Helps the system boot under extreme temperatures (≤ -120°C)

  8. LN2 MODE

    Jumper to enable special options and functions for liquid-nitrogen (LN2) overclocking.

  9. BIOS SWITCH

    Switches between BIOS 1 and 2.

COOLING

  • Headers
  • ROG Water-Cooling Zone
  • Compatibility

Cooler by Design

The ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore features an upgraded cooling solution.
  1. VRM HEATSINK ARRAY

    VRM heatsinks on the MOSFETs and chokes are connected by an embedded heatpipe to increase mass and surface area for dissipation.

  2. M.2 HEATSINKS AND BACKPLATES

    Three onboard M.2 slots are thoroughly cooled with heatsinks and backplates for maximum cooling performance.

  3. ROG DIMM.2 CARD HEATSINK

    Two additional M.2 slots are kept cool with the DIMM.2 card's hefty heatsinks.

  4. EXTENDED VRM AND M.2 HEATSINK

    An extended heatsink helps further cool the VRM along with an M.2 drive.

CONNECTIVITY

  • USB Ports
  • Audio
  • WiFi 7

    Next-gen WiFi 7* chipset introduces all-new ultrawide 320 MHz channel bandwidth in the 6 GHz band and 4096 QAM, delivering up to 2.4X ultra-fast WiFi speeds**. The revolutionary Multi-Link Operation (MLO) provides a more stable WiFi connection and lower latency, unlocking the realms of the unknown in gaming, streaming, and industrial IoT.

    Learn more about Multi-link Operation (MLO) and WiFi 7 technology.

    *WiFi 7 features require onboard WiFi chipset, WiFi AP, and WiFi 7-supported operating systems to support the corresponding features. The 320 Mhz in the 6 GHz band may be unavailable in some regions / countries due to regulatory restrictions. Expected support for Multi-Link Operation (MLO) will be available later this year (October 2023). Please visit the ASUS support page for more information.
    **Compared to WiFi 6E
  • 2.5Gb ETHERNET

    Low-latency gaming, speedy file transfers, and high-resolution video streaming are among the many perks of onboard Intel® 2.5 Gbps Ethernet.

  • ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna

  • Fast Check

  • Direction Finder

USB Wattage Watcher

USB Wattage Watcher allows users to monitor the current wattage delivered to a device connected to the USB 20Gbps Type-C front-panel connector. With USB Wattage Watcher, users can glance at their device's charging wattage in real-time and check on their device’s Fast-Charging status.

The UI picture of USB Wattage Watcher

DIY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

  • PCIE® SLOT Q-RELEASE

  • M.2 Q-Latch

  • Q-Antenna

  • Q-CODE

  • Q-LED

  • BIOS FLASHBACK™ & CLEAR CMOS

OPTIMIZATION

  • AI Cooling II
  • TWO-WAY AI NOISE CANCELATION
  • AI Networking
ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore AI Cooling II user interface

AI COOLING II

Balance the thermals and acoustics of any build with a single click. A proprietary ASUS algorithm slashes unnecessary noise while running a quick stress test, and then monitors CPU temperatures to dynamically adjust fans to optimal speeds.

A gaming scenario showcases two-way AI noise cancelation

TWO-WAY AI NOISE CANCELATION

This utility leverages a massive deep-learning database to reduce over 5 million types of background noise from incoming or outgoing audio, helping ensure crystal-clear communication in games or calls.

Hear the difference

AI ON

AI OFF

AI networking can be used to improve network performance

AI NETWORKING

GameFirst is now integrated into Armoury Crate for an even better user experience. GameFirst optimizes networking performance by allocating bandwidth in real time, based on intelligent algorithms designed for various application customizable usage scenarios and corresponding learning algorithms. The latest update includes dedicated support for NVIDIA® GeForce NOW to ensure the lowest latency possible during intense game streaming cloud gaming sessions. To provide a better user’s experience, GameFirst is now integrated into Armoury Crate.

PERSONALIZATION

  • Gaming Audio

GROW YOUR GAMING WORLD WITH AURA SYNC

Up your game with complementary Aura Sync enhanced aesthetics, featuring preset lighting effects that can be easily synchronized across compatible ROG graphics cards, monitors, keyboards, and mice to give your setup a unified look.

Learn more about Aura Sync

  • Static
  • Breathing
  • Strobing
  • Rainbow
  • Color cycle
  • Starry night
  • Music effect
  • Smart
  • Adaptive color
  • Dark
The ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore features Aura Sync.
Addressable Gen 2 RGB Header

ADDRESSABLE GEN 2 RGB HEADERS

ARGB GEN2, POWERED BY AURA SYNC

The addressable Gen 2 RGB headers can be controlled with Aura software, which automatically tailors your preferred lighting effects to the number of LEDs present in the connected gear or strip. The new headers also offer backward-compatibility with existing Aura RGB components.

A tree with the ROG logo in the background A tree with the ROG logo in the background

Dare to Be Green

We at the Republic of Gamers are on a mission to create a sustainable future where all gamers can flourish on the planet we call home.

Every step counts, and as part of ROG’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future, ROG has begun to utilize post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic and paper materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC™) in the packaging of motherboard.

Intel® Unison™

Our latest ROG and ROG Strix Z790 WiFi 7 motherboards offer a seamless tech experience, complemented by a complimentary enablement of Intel Unison (free access until September 30, 2024).

Intel Unison lets you use a compatible tablet as a second display, wirelessly transfer content between your computer and tablet or phone, and to do thing like accessing your smartphone’s picture photos while you’re working on your PC. You can also keep an eye on your text messages and phone notifications while working on your PC and even make calls without touching your phone. Stay connected and in your flow with Intel Unison!

Learn more
Note: Certain functions are expected to be operational in Q4 2023; however, the actual support will be contingent upon Intel's preparedness.
a laptop, tablet and mobile phone with Intel Unison UI

Awards

Video Reviews

Intel I7 14700k, ON FIRE 🔥🔥

Today I'm going to talk about these six new Z790 motherboards from ASUS.

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS APEX ENCORE focuses on power and high performance. It has a new black design with features that support overclocking and heavy use. It supports up to 96 GB of RAM and M.2 SSD Gen 5.

And ASUS has even implemented humidity or condensation detectors in key locations, which will inform you in real time with visual LED signals.

Media Reviews

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Recommended Products

ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO

Intel® Z790 LGA 1700 ATX motherboard with 20+1+2 power stages, Advanced AI PC ready, DDR5 support with AEMP II & DIMM Flex, Intel® Wi-Fi 7 with ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna, five M.2 slots, PCIe® 5.0 NVMe® SSD slot onboard, PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlots with PCIe Slot Q-Release, two Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, USB 20Gbps Type-C® front-panel connector with Quick Charge 4+ up to 60W, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, AI Networking, Two-way AI Noise Cancelation, and Aura Sync RGB lighting

ROG MAXIMUS Z790 FORMULA

Intel® Z790 LGA 1700 ATX motherboard with 20+1+2 power stages, Advanced AI PC ready, DDR5 support with AEMP II and DIMM Flex, Intel® Wi-Fi 7 with ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna, five M.2 slots, PCIe® 5.0 NVMe® SSD slot onboard, PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlots with PCIe Slot Q-Release, two Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, USB 20Gbps Type-C® front-panel connector with Quick Charge 4+ up to 60W, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, AI Networking, Two-way AI Noise Cancelation, and Aura Sync RGB lighting.

ROG MAXIMUS Z790 EXTREME

Intel® Z790 LGA 1700 EATX motherboard with 24 + 1 power stages, Advanced AI PC ready, DDR5, five M.2 slots, on-board PCIe® 5.0 NVMe® SSD slot, two PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlots, Wi-Fi 6E, Thunderbolt 4 port and front-panel connector, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C® port and front-panel connector with Quick Charge 4+ up to 60W, PCIe Slot Q-Release, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and Aura Sync RGB lighting

ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO

Intel® Z790 LGA 1700 ATX motherboard with 20+1+2 power stages, Advanced AI PC ready, DDR5, five M.2 slots, PCIe® 5.0 NVMe® SSD slot on Hyper M.2 Card, PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlots with Q-Release, Wi-Fi 6E, two Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 front-panel connector with Quick Charge 4+ up to 60W, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and Aura Sync RGB lighting

ROG MAXIMUS Z690 HERO EVA EDITION

Intel® Z690 ATX motherboard with 20+1 power stages, DDR5, Five M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 front-panel connector, Dual Thunderbolt 4, PCIe® 5.0, Onboard WiFi 6E and Aura Sync RGB lighting

ROG STRIX Z790-A GAMING WIFI D4

Intel® Z790 LGA 1700 ATX motherboard with 16 + 1 power stages, Advanced AI PC ready, DDR4 memory support, four M.2 slots, PCIe® 5.0 x16 SafeSlot with Q-Release, WiFi 6E, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C® rear I/O port and additional front-panel connector with PD 3.0 up to 30W, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and Aura Sync RGB lighting

ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI

Intel® Z790 LGA 1700 ATX motherboard with 16 + 1 power stages, Advanced AI PC ready, DDR5 memory support, four M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot with Q-Release, WiFi 6E, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C® rear I/O port and additional front-panel connector with PD 3.0 up to 30W, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and Aura Sync RGB lighting

ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI

Intel® Z790 LGA 1700 ATX motherboard with 18 + 1 power stages, Advanced AI PC ready, DDR5, five M.2 slots, PCIe® 5.0 NVMe® SSD slot with M.2 Combo-Sink, PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot with Q-Release, WiFi 6E, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C® rear I/O port and front-panel connector with PD 3.0 up to 30W, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and Aura Sync RGB lighting

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