At a Glance
- The Maximus Z790 Hero features a 20+1 phase VRM with 105A power stages, while the Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi has an 18+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages.
- The Maximus Z790 Hero has a black and silver color scheme with RGB lighting, while the Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi has a black and white color scheme with a more subtle RGB lighting design.
- Both the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi are excellent gaming motherboards that offer a wide range of features and technologies.
For PC enthusiasts, the motherboard is the heart of their system. It’s the foundation upon which all other components are built, and its features and capabilities can significantly impact the performance, stability, and overclocking potential of your rig. In the realm of gaming motherboards, two titans stand tall: the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi. Both boards boast an impressive array of features and technologies, but which one is the right choice for your needs? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to find out.
Chipset and Socket
Both the Maximus Z790 Hero and the Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi are based on Intel’s Z790 chipset, which supports the latest 13th-generation Intel Core processors (Raptor Lake). This chipset offers a plethora of features, including support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and Wi-Fi 6E.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (voltage regulator module) is responsible for delivering power to the CPU. A robust VRM is essential for ensuring stable operation, especially when overclocking. The Maximus Z790 Hero features a 20+1 phase VRM with 105A power stages, while the Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi has an 18+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages. Both boards offer excellent power delivery capabilities, but the Maximus Z790 Hero has a slight edge in this area.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, but the Maximus Z790 Hero offers slightly better memory overclocking potential. It can support up to 8000MHz DDR5 with EXPO profiles, while the Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi is limited to 7600MHz.
Expansion Slots
The Maximus Z790 Hero and the Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi both offer a similar range of expansion slots. They each have four PCIe x16 slots, one PCIe x5 slot, and two PCIe x1 slots. The Maximus Z790 Hero has a slight advantage with its dedicated PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for graphics cards, while the Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi has an additional PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot.
Storage Options
Both motherboards offer ample storage options. The Maximus Z790 Hero has six SATA ports and five M.2 slots, while the Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi has six SATA ports and four M.2 slots. The Maximus Z790 Hero’s additional M.2 slot can be useful for expanding storage capacity or adding a high-speed NVMe SSD.
Connectivity
The Maximus Z790 Hero and the Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi both come equipped with a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. They both have 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports. The Maximus Z790 Hero has a slight edge with its additional Thunderbolt 4 port, which provides high-speed data transfer and display connectivity.
Features
Both motherboards offer a wide range of features to enhance gaming and overclocking. The Maximus Z790 Hero features ASUS’s exclusive AI Overclocking and AI Cooling technologies, which can automatically optimize system performance and cooling. The Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi has a built-in ROG SupremeFX audio codec and Sonic Studio III software for enhanced audio quality.
Aesthetics
Both motherboards have a sleek and stylish design, but they differ in their aesthetics. The Maximus Z790 Hero has a black and silver color scheme with RGB lighting, while the Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi has a black and white color scheme with a more subtle RGB lighting design.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is priced around $550, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi is priced around $400. Both motherboards are available from major retailers.
Verdict: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero vs ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi
Both the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi are excellent gaming motherboards that offer a wide range of features and technologies. The Maximus Z790 Hero is the better choice for enthusiasts who demand the absolute best performance and overclocking potential. Its superior VRM, memory overclocking support, and additional features justify the higher price. The Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi is a more budget-friendly option that still provides excellent performance and a wide range of features. It’s a great choice for gamers who want a high-quality motherboard without breaking the bank.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has better overclocking potential due to its superior VRM and memory overclocking support.
2. Which motherboard has more storage options?
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has more storage options with six SATA ports and five M.2 slots.
3. Which motherboard has better connectivity?
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has better connectivity with an additional Thunderbolt 4 port.
4. Which motherboard has more RGB lighting?
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has more RGB lighting with a more customizable lighting system.
5. Which motherboard is more affordable?
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi is more affordable with a lower price point.