ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO

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 Next-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.

EXTREME POWER & PERFORMANCE

COMPREHENSIVE COOLING

TOTAL GAMING IMMERSION

FULL CONNECTIVITY

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

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.

DIFFERENTIAL SENSING

Conventional motherboards use single-ended sensing tapped from a location that isn’t ideal, leading to a large disparity between the actual voltage fed to the CPU and the value reported to software. The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero features a differential-sensing circuit and delicate IC that simplify overclocking and tuning by allowing you to track voltages more accurately.

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
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.

A SHIFT IN CPU DEMANDS
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.

BUCKING THE TREND
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.

THERMAL PERFORMANCE
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.

HIGH-QUALITY COMPONENTS

8 + 8-pin ProCool II power connectors
Dual ProCool connectors ensure a snug and reliable connection to the EPS 12V power lines

20+1+2 Power Stages
The VRM features 20+1+2 power stages, each rated to handle up to 90 amps

– 20 phases Core Power 90A, SPS
– 1 phase GT Power 90A, SPS
– 2 phases AUX Power

MicroFine alloy chokes
Each power stage is accompanied by a high-permeability alloy-core choke rated to handle 45 amps.

10K black metallic capacitors
Input and output filtering is provided by solid-polymer capacitors rated to last thousands of hours at high operating temperatures.

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

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.

DIMM FLEX

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.

AEMP II

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.

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.

COOLER BY DESIGN

THERMAL MANAGEMENT

An extensive array of headers line the ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero for precise cooling control and monitoring.

Multiple temperature sources
Each header can be set to monitor and react to three user-configurable thermal sensors for workload-based cooling, and all settings can be easily managed by Fan Xpert 4 or UEFI.

4-pin fan headers
In addition to the pair of CPU fan headers, the Maximus Z790 Dark Hero features four chassis headers, and each supports auto-detection of PWM or DC fans.

AIO pump header
An additional PWM/DC fan header offers dedicated control of self-contained water-cooling setups.

ROG WATER-COOLING ZONE

Dual water-temperature headers and a flow-rate header feed information straight into Armoury Crate, allowing you to track coolant temperatures and the flow rate of the entire loop.

Water pump+
A dedicated header can supply over 3 amps to a high-performance PWM or DC water pumps.

Water in/out
A dedicated header enables monitoring of temperatures at the input/output points of any component.

Water flow
A dedicated header enables constant monitoring of flow rate throughout the entire loop.

COOLER COMPATIBILITY

ASUS AIO coolers offer robust performance, high overclocking potential, bold aesthetics and customizable functionality for new Z790 motherboards, empowering you to build your dream gaming rig.

CONNECTIVITY

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
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

PCIE 5.0

Fully embracing the new standard, the ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero offers abundant Gen 5 support to give unfettered bandwidth to the fastest SSDs and graphics cards available.

Five onboard M.2 Slots
The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero features five onboard M.2 slots, one of which is PCIe 5.0-ready to offer blistering 16 GB/s speeds, while the others offer still-impressive 8 GB/s over PCIe 4.0 interfaces.

Expansion Slots
Both of the x16 expansion slots have the PCIe 5.0 treatment to offer incredible speeds up to 64 GB/s for compatible devices. To bear the brunt of massive graphics cards, they are also protected with SafeSlot retention brackets, and the top slot can be released easily thanks to the PCIe Slot Q-Release button.

TWO THUNDERBOLT 4 TYPE-C® PORTS

Each port delivers up to 40 Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth for the latest super-speed devices and drives. Both ports can be employed for up to two external 4K displays, and PCIe bandwidth extends to up to 32 Gbps.

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

USB 20Gbps Type-C front-panel connector features Quick Charge 4+ technology that can rapidly charge devices up to 60W*.

* Requires a PCIe power supply cable to be plugged into the nearby 8-pin connector.

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.

AUDIO LINE SHIELDING
Blocks electromagnetic interference from the motherboard or add-ons to provide cleaner audio.

ESS® ES9218 QUAD DAC
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.

ALC4082 CODEC
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.

SWITCHING MOSFETS
Unique design allows the codec’s impedance-sensing function to be ported with either the front or rear headphone outputs.

CAPACITORS
Fine-quality components that produce a warmer, natural sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity.

DIY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

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.

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.

AI SUITE 3

The AI Suite 3 dashboard contains a set of intuitive controls that boost CPU performance while maintaining system stability.

TPU INSIGHT
The TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) is an intelligent onboard micro-controller that provides an array of system-tuning features, including the ability to fine-tune voltages, monitor system stats and adjust overclocking parameters.

DIGITAL POWER CONTROL
The Digi+ voltage-regulator module (VRM) delivers real-time control over voltage droop, switching frequency, and power-efficiency settings, allowing you to fine-tune CPU voltage regulation for ultimate stability and performance.

TURBO CORE APP
Modern processors feature per-core tuning, and the ASUS Turbo app makes use of this feature by letting you assign applications to specific processor cores, prioritizing computing power where it’s needed most.

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
– 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.

SONIC STUDIO

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.

DTS SOUND UNBOUND

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.

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.

AIDA64 EXTREME

The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero includes a one-year AIDA64 Extreme subscription, a tool that provides detailed information about hardware and software, as well as benchmarks to measure the performance of the entire system or individual components. AIDA64 Extreme includes a monitoring and diagnostics feature to detect and prevent hardware issues. All vital system sensors can be tracked in real time, allowing voltage readings, fan speeds, and temperature information to be displayed on the desktop or sent to dedicated displays or to the LCD panels of ROG AIO liquid coolers*.

*Support available for ROG Ryujin II and later models.