Quick Overview
- The Hero features a 16+1 power stage design, while the Extreme goes a step further with a monstrous 20+1 power stage design.
- The Hero is an excellent choice for gamers and enthusiasts seeking a high-performance motherboard with ample features and connectivity options.
- The Extreme, on the other hand, is a dream come true for extreme overclockers and those who demand the absolute best in terms of performance and cooling.
In the realm of high-end motherboards, the ASUS ROG Maximus series stands tall as a beacon of innovation and performance. With the advent of the Z790 chipset, ASUS has unleashed two formidable contenders: the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and Extreme. These motherboards are designed to empower the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors, pushing the boundaries of gaming and content creation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the depths of the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero vs. Extreme, comparing their features, specifications, and capabilities to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Power Delivery
At the heart of any motherboard lies its power delivery system, which is responsible for delivering clean and stable power to the processor. The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and Extreme both boast exceptional power delivery capabilities. The Hero features a 16+1 power stage design, while the Extreme goes a step further with a monstrous 20+1 power stage design. These power stages are coupled with high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors, ensuring unwavering stability even under the most demanding workloads.
Cooling Solutions
Overheating can be a major bottleneck for performance. To address this, both the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and Extreme are equipped with robust cooling solutions. The Hero features a large VRM heatsink with a dedicated fan, effectively dissipating heat from the power delivery components. The Extreme takes cooling to the next level with its massive ROG CrossChill EK III VRM heatsink. This hybrid heatsink combines an air cooler with a water cooling channel, providing exceptional cooling efficiency for both liquid-cooled and air-cooled systems.
Connectivity and Expansion
Connectivity is paramount in a modern motherboard. The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and Extreme offer a wide range of connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, PCIe slots, and storage interfaces. The Hero features 10 USB ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports for lightning-fast data transfer speeds. The Extreme ups the ante with 13 USB ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports and two USB 4 ports. Both motherboards support the latest PCIe 5.0 standard, ensuring compatibility with the latest graphics cards and storage devices.
Aesthetics and Customization
For gamers and enthusiasts who value aesthetics, the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and Extreme are visually stunning. The Hero showcases a sleek black and silver design with customizable RGB lighting. The Extreme, on the other hand, boasts a more aggressive design with a futuristic-inspired aesthetic. Both motherboards feature the exclusive ROG Polymo Lighting technology, allowing you to create vibrant and dynamic lighting effects.
Overclocking Potential
For those seeking maximum performance, overclocking is a crucial factor. The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and Extreme are both equipped with robust overclocking features. The Hero includes a dedicated overclocking button and a comprehensive BIOS interface. The Extreme takes overclocking to the extreme with its onboard LN2 mode, allowing for extreme sub-zero overclocking.
Gaming Features
Gaming is at the core of the ROG brand. The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and Extreme are packed with gaming-centric features. The Hero features exclusive GameFirst VI technology, optimizing network traffic for a lag-free gaming experience. The Extreme goes even further with its Game Boost 5 technology, which dynamically adjusts system settings to enhance performance specifically for gaming.
Final Verdict: ROG Maximus Z790 Hero vs. Extreme
Choosing between the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and Extreme ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. The Hero is an excellent choice for gamers and enthusiasts seeking a high-performance motherboard with ample features and connectivity options. The Extreme, on the other hand, is a dream come true for extreme overclockers and those who demand the absolute best in terms of performance and cooling.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better power delivery?
A: The ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme has a superior 20+1 power stage design compared to the Hero’s 16+1 power stage design.
Q: Which motherboard has better cooling?
A: The ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme features the ROG CrossChill EK III VRM heatsink, which offers exceptional cooling efficiency for both liquid-cooled and air-cooled systems.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme has 13 USB ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports and two USB 4 ports, while the Hero has 10 USB ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports.