ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO

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ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero

The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero boasts robust cooling, WiFi 7 and ample PCIe 5.0 slot for unmatched performance, and it offers full compatibility with 14^th Gen Intel^® Core™ processors. Meanwhile, its stealthy design is accentuated by new Polymo lighting, which illuminates the I/O shroud with a microstructural array of dual-layer RGB and adds a personalized touch of style to your gaming setup.

Click to check our Z790 Motherboard Guide

The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero is the ultimate partner for any Intel 13th Gen processor.

x1 onboard M.2 slot, and x2 PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
Effortless performance boost
One-click fan tuning
DIY-FRIENDLY DESIGN

SPEC OVERVIEW

Performance
Cooling
Gaming Immersion
Connectivity

Extreme Power & Performance

Performance specs of the ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero

ROG OVERCLOCKING TECHNOLOGIES

Psyche up and engage the Dark Hero overclocker in you, with onboard intelligence to scan, predict, and adapt CPU performance parameters, and tools to command and track system vitals.

AI Overclocking
Differential Sensing

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.

Teamed Power Architecture

Today's CPU architectures place incredible demands on motherboard power design by transitioning from deep power-saving modes, going from lower-power mode to full load in an instant. The latest ROG VRM architecture rises to the challenge by utilizing teamed power stages to rapidly swing current, while maintaining exemplary thermal performance.

A brief history
A shift in CPU demands
Bucking the trend
Thermal performance
High-quality components

While doublers help extend the number of effective phases, they do so at the cost of a processing delay. The teamed architecture allows two power stages to work in tandem to provide more power to the CPU. The MOSFETs within the power stages generate the most heat as they are responsible for voltage conversion and delivery to the CPU from the 12-volt EPS connector.

ASUS became the first manufacturer to implement phase-doublers with the A8N32-SLI Deluxe motherboard, back in 2005. The board's VRM was lauded for elegantly overcoming the power handling capabilities of components that were available at the time while also reducing voltage ripple. Those benefits led to phase-doublers becoming universally accepted in the industry, and they are still used for similar purposes today.
Modern CPUs pack more cores than their predecessors, and the latest instruction sets allow them to crunch computationally dense workloads at an incredible pace. In addition, they consume less power at idle and can transition between load states much more quickly. These improvements necessitate a re-evaluation of power-design priorities because phase-doublers add a propagation delay that hampers transient response.
Fortunately, the latest integrated power components can handle higher currents than the devices of yesteryear, making it possible to implement a simple circuit topology that isn't hamstrung by the processing lag of phase-doublers. That's why the ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero utilizes teamed power stages to deliver higher burst current per phase, while maintaining the thermal performance of phase-doubled designs.
Each VRM component serves a specific purpose. PWM controllers and phase-doublers control the circuit, and the power stages do the heavy lifting from an electrical and thermal standpoint. The power stages feature low RDSON to reduce switching and conduction losses, helping to improve overall thermal headroom.

MEMORY

Comprehensive memory tuning options are the cornerstone of ROG motherboards. With the ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero, you can extract all of the potential out of your DDR5 modules, regardless of if they're from an extreme-speed kit or an entry-level set that would otherwise be locked.

DDR5 DOMINATION
DIMM FLEX
AEMP II

ROG has a long legacy of flexing the fastest memory performance, and DDR5 is no outlier. Thanks to improved signal routing, now enthusiast-grade kits have been driven far beyond the 8 GT/s mark on the Maximus Z790 Dark Hero, and who knows how far future DIMMs can go? Seasoned veterans can test their mettle by tinkering with the extensive array of tuning options in the UEFI.

The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero lets you overclock memory up to 7800+ MT/s.

DIMM Flex provides enthusiasts with a powerful new way to overclock their DDR5 memory modules. It employs specialized circuitry that can boost performance or address potential stability issues, depending on temperature readings. When temperatures are nominal, it can use the extra headroom to increase speeds and efficiency. And when temperatures increase, it can adjust memory behavior downward to maintain stability.

The UI of AI Tweaker at BIOS with DIMM Flex enabled

The UI of AI Tweaker at BIOS with DIMM Flex Presets

››› Learn more
››› DIMM Flex QVL List

Average FPS Comparison Across Games

Metro Exodus

Extreme preset 2560x1440

Default: 132.14

XMP: 133.92

+1.35%

DIMM Flex: 155.38

+17.59%

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

MAX FPS preset 3840x2160

Default: 190

XMP: 200

+5.26%

DIMM Flex: 210

+10.53%

* Results may vary according to the capabilities of your CPU, graphic card, motherboard, and memory modules.
** The comparison chart is based on a test with an Intel Core i9-14900K processor, ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi II motherboard, ROG Strix GeForce RTX™ 4090 OC Edition 24GB graphics card, and G.SKILL DDR5 memory modules (model F5-7200J3646F24GX2-TZ5RK).

ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II (AEMP II) is an exclusive firmware feature that allows users to achieve supreme memory performance and compatibility with optimized clock speeds, even when they're using PMIC-restricted memory modules that do not provide an XMP or EXPO profile. Developed through a flexible training method, AEMP II simplifies the process of fine-tuning memory settings beyond the baseline configuration, all while ensuring system stability. This applies whether you are maximizing the potential of an entry-level module or preparing a high-speed kit for ultimate performance.

The UI of AI Tweaker at BIOS with AEMP II enabled

Now, AEMP II offers even more flexibility. With the latest firmware update, AEMP II allows users to optimize the performance of a four-DIMM DDR5 RAM configuration, even with a mixture of different brands and dies. Increasing the memory capacity of your build by adding additional DIMMs has never been easier — with AEMP II, you can get optimized memory performance even when all four memory modules are not an exact match, provided that all four DIMMs have the same capacity.

Up to 60%

6400 (OC)

AEMP II

4000

Intel DDR5 Baseband

* Results may vary according to the capabilities of your CPU and memory modules.
** The testing chart is based on a test with an Intel i9-14900K processor and 4x16GB SK Hynix DDR5-5600 non-ECC UDIMMs, model HMCG78AGBUA081N

Cooler by Design

The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero features an upgraded cooling solution.

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

ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna

Dual transceivers support the 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands to enable faster throughput, with directional sensitivity to improve signal quality and cover greater distances.

Wireless Signal Reception Improvement

Versus previous-generation antenna

Up to +6%
6GHz

Up to +18%
5/2.4 GHz

Fast Check

Armoury Crate’s Fast Check empowers users to rapidly detect WiFi signal strength.

Direction Finder

Armoury Crate’s Direction Finder* helps users detect the optimal antenna orientation for achieving the best WiFi signal strength.

*The Direction Finder is only compatible with connections in the 5GHz and 6GHz bands

SUPREMEFX

ROG SupremeFX audio technology delivers an exceptional 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio to the line-in jack for pristine recording quality. There’s also a low-dropout regulator for cleaner power delivery to the SupremeFX ALC4082 codec and an integrated ESS^® ES9218 Quad DAC capable of reaching -115dB THD+N for superior front-panel output. This combined solution allows for end-to-end 32-bit 384 kHz resolution playback that conveys all the subtlety and nuances of each audio track.
››› Learn more about ROG audio technology

AUDIO LINE SHIELDING
ESS^® ES9218 QUAD DAC
ALC4082 CODEC
SWITCHING MOSFETS
CAPACITORS

Blocks electromagnetic interference from the motherboard or add-ons to provide cleaner audio.
The ESS ES9218 integrated QUAD DAC amplifier is capable of providing -114 dB total harmonic distortion (THD+N) for standard audio devices, and it can ramp up to 2Vrms on supported audiophile hardware. In addition, the 121 dB dynamic range (DNR) provides an extremely low noise-floor, further accentuating dynamics and punch.
Instead of a conventional high definition audio (HDA) interface, the ALC4082 codec uses a USB interface to deliver studio-level sound reaching up to 32-bit 384 kHz audio resolution.
Unique design allows the codec's impedance-sensing function to be ported with either the front or rear headphone outputs.
Fine-quality components that produce a warmer, natural sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity.

The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero motherboard features SupremeFX audio.

DIY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

PCIE^® SLOT Q-RELEASE
M.2 Q-Latch
Q-Antenna
Q-CODE
Q-LED
BIOS FLASHBACK™ & CLEAR CMOS

PCIE^® SLOT Q-RELEASE

A physical button unlocks the first PCIe slot’s security latch with one tap, greatly simplifying the process of detaching a PCIe card from the motherboard when it’s time to upgrade to a new GPU or other compatible device.

M.2 Q-LATCH

The innovative Q-Latch makes it easy to install or remove an M.2 SSD without the need for specific tools. The design employs a simple locking mechanism to secure the drive and neatly eliminate traditional screws.

Q-ANTENNA

With Q-Antenna, attaching a WiFi antenna to your PC is now easy and fast. Instead of slowly rotating two fasteners until they finally lock in, they just snap into place. Less hassle, and more consistent performance.

Q-CODE

The on-board LED panel shows 2-digit diagnostic codes, providing a valuable reference for troubleshooting common boot problems and hardware issues.

Q-LED

The on-board Q-LED troubleshooting lights give PC builders a quick indicator to confirm that key components ― CPU, RAM, graphics card, storage devices ― are functioning normally during startup. Builders can use the Q-LED feature to correct power delivery issues affecting their motherboard, and it can also alert them when memory modules have not been properly installed--even before attempting to boot a newly built PC.

BIOS FLASHBACK™

BIOS FlashBack™ is a safe and simple way to update BIOS. Just drop the (UEFI) BIOS file onto a FAT32-formatted USB stick, plug it into the USB BIOS FlashBack port, and press the button. Updates can even be performed without having memory or a CPU installed.

CLEAR CMOS

The Clear CMOS button quickly resets BIOS settings to factory default. It can also be used to reboot the PC if incorrect BIOS settings have been selected.

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.

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

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.

UEFI BIOS

The renowned ROG UEFI (BIOS) provides everything you need to configure, tweak, and tune your rig. It offers intelligently simplified options for newcomers to PC DIY, as well as more comprehensive features for seasoned veterans.

Advanced mode
EZ mode
MEMTEST86

Advanced mode

My Favorites
Quickly locate tuning options and add preferred tools to your favorites list.
EZ Flash 3
Flash the latest BIOS via the internet from within the BIOS.
S.M.A.R.T.
Check your storage device Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) logs to gauge reliability or to identify potential failures.
GPU POST
Automatically detect selected ASUS graphics cards to view detailed information.
Secure Erase
Restore your SSDs and NVMe storage to factory settings.
Last Modified Log
Track the last change and save preferred profiles to a USB drive.
SATA Port Renaming
Rename SATA ports for easy identification.
ASUS User Profile
Port configuration settings between different BIOS versions or share them with friends.
Q-Fan Control
Configure the fan's operating speed manually or use pre-configured Standard, Silent, Turbo, or Full Speed modes. By default, system fans will automatically switch to full speed if the temperature reaches 75° C.
Aura On/Off mode (Stealth)
Easily enable or disable Aura RGB lighting or every onboard LED, for a more subdued aesthetic.

EZ mode

Intuitive Graphical Fan Controls
Fine-tune individual fans simply by dragging a curve with the mouse.
Storage Information
View SATA port details for easy device recognition.
Clock Adjustment
Click on the settings icon to quickly change time and date settings.

MEMTEST86 PRE-INSTALLED

For diagnostic convenience, MemTest86 has been pre-installed into the ROG UEFI. Run the test to pinpoint memory issues without the need to start up the OS or attach a USB drive. Memory test results are stored in the BIOS archives for later reference.

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 Dark Hero features Aura Sync.

Sonic Studio supports HRTF-based (head-related transfer function*) virtual surround for headsets, casting an immersive aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action. The intuitive Sonic Studio interface also offers a range of EQ options and one-click presets, allowing you to tailor acoustics to suit personal preferences or the characteristics of your headset.

*A head-related transfer function is an audio algorithm derived from sound data recorded through a dummy head. Test tones are played from a spherical grid around the dummy head to obtain subtle changes in sounds that come from different directions. The results are combined into an algorithm that allows Sonic Studio's virtual surround to process sound true to life.

Through the pre-loaded DTS^® Sound Unbound™ app, the ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero envelops you in rich audio, conjuring whole new levels of immersion for extraordinary gaming and entertainment experiences. By exploiting Microsoft spatial sound technology, DTS Sound Unbound creates an audial 3D space — putting you right in the middle of the soundscape, where you can sense the location and direction of every gunshot, footstep, or other sound in your virtual environment.
* DTS Sound Unbound requires in-game support. Check with developers for supported titles.

Stereo Sound
Surround Sound
Spatial Sound

Armoury Crate

Armoury Crate is a software utility designed to give you centralized control of supported gaming products, making it easy to tune the look and feel of your system. From a single intuitive interface, Armoury Crate helps you customize RGB lighting and effects for compatible devices and synchronize them with Aura Sync to create a unified lighting scheme across your system. In addition, Armoury Crate’s Fan Xpert4 tool provides comprehensive control over fans, water pumps, and all-in-one (AIO) coolers.

You can use Armoury Crate to download drivers, tools, and user manuals, and to register products. It also taps into a special news feed that connects you to the global ASUS gaming community.

*Windows 10 or 11 required for full Aura Sync functionality within Armoury Crate. For Windows 8 and earlier versions, standalone Aura Sync software is available for free download from the product support site.

Download Link ›››

Armoury Crate software syncs RGB lighting effects across devices

Compatible devices can be configured using Armoury Crate software

Driver and manual downloads can be found inside Armoury Crate Software

Access fan controls inside Armoury Crate software

GameFirst UI inside Amoury Crate Software

Log in and manage your ASUS account in Armoury Crate software

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

Gallery

A scenario photo of Z790 Dark Hero with antenna

A scenario photo of Z790 Dark Hero with ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB AIO Cooler

A scenario photo of Z790 Dark Hero from top view

A scenario photo of Z790 Dark Hero with antenna, VGA, DDR5, PSU from top view

A scenario photo of Z790 Dark Hero with antenna, VGA, PSU from top view

A scenario photo of Z790 Dark Hero with DDR5 memory

A scenario photo of Z790 Dark Hero right angle

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Recommended Products

ROG MAXIMUS Z790 EXTREME

Intel^® Z790 LGA 1700 EATX motherboard with 24 + 1 power stages, 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, 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 Z790 APEX ENCORE

Intel^® Z790 LGA 1700 ATX motherboard with 24+0+2 power stages, DDR5 support with AEMP II & DIMM Flex, ROG Memory Fan Kit, 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, 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, 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 DARK HERO

ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero

SPEC OVERVIEW

Extreme Power & Performance

Comprehensive Cooling

Total Gaming Immersion

Full Connectivity

PERFORMANCE

ROG OVERCLOCKING TECHNOLOGIES

AI OVERCLOCKING

DIFFERENTIAL SENSING

Teamed Power Architecture

8 + 8-pin ProCool II power connectors

20+1+2 Power Stages

MicroFine alloy chokes

10K black metallic capacitors

MEMORY

DDR5 DOMINATION

Average FPS Comparison Across Games

Metro Exodus

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

AEMP II

COOLING

Cooler by Design

THERMAL MANAGEMENT

Multiple temperature sources

4-pin fan headers

AIO pump header

ROG WATER-COOLING ZONE

Water pump+

Water in/out

Water flow

COOLER COMPATIBILITY

CONNECTIVITY

WIFI 7

2.5Gb ETHERNET

ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna

Wireless Signal Reception Improvement

Fast Check

Direction Finder

PCIE 5.0

Five onboard M.2 Slots

Expansion Slots

TWO THUNDERBOLT 4 TYPE-C® PORTS

USB 20Gbps TYPE-C FRONT-PANEL CONNECTOR WITH QUICK CHARGE 4+

USB Wattage Watcher

SUPREMEFX

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

Hear the difference

AI NETWORKING

AI SUITE 3

TPU INSIGHT

DIGITAL POWER CONTROL

TURBO CORE APP

UEFI BIOS

Advanced mode

EZ mode

MEMTEST86 PRE-INSTALLED

PERSONALIZATION

GROW YOUR GAMING WORLD WITH AURA SYNC

ADDRESSABLE GEN 2 RGB HEADERS

Sonic Studio

DTS SOUND UNBOUND

Stereo Sound

Surround Sound

Spatial Sound

Armoury Crate

AIDA64 EXTREME

Dare to Be Green

Intel® Unison™

TWO THUNDERBOLT 4 TYPE-C^® PORTS

PCIE^® SLOT Q-RELEASE

Intel^® Unison™