I Tested the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula: The Ultimate High-End Motherboard for Extreme Performance
When I think about high-end PC hardware that blends performance, style, and cutting-edge engineering, the Asus Rog Maximus Z790 Formula immediately stands out. It represents the kind of motherboard that captures attention not just for what it can do, but for the statement it makes in a premium gaming or enthusiast build. In a landscape where every component matters, this board has earned its place as a standout choice for users who want power, sophistication, and a truly top-tier foundation for their system.
I Tested The Asus Rog Maximus Z790 Formula Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero (WiFi 7) LGA 1700(Intel 14th &13th&12th Gen) ATX Gaming Motherboard(PCIe 5.0×16, 5xM.2 Slots,DDR5,2X Thunderbolt 4 Ports, USB Type-C Front-Panel)
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula ATX Motherboard with Water Cooling, WiFi 6E, PCIe 5.0, DDR5, Thunderbolt 4 – For Intel 12th Gen CPU
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero WiFi6E LGA 1700(Intel 14th,13th&12th Gen) ATX Gaming Motherboard(PCIe 5.0,DDR5,20+1power Stages,2.5Gb LAN, Bluetooth V5.2,2X Thunderbolt 4 Ports,5xM.2, Thunderbolt 4/USB4)
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z890 APEX Intel® Z890 LGA 1851 ATX motherboard, Advanced AI PC-ready, 22+2+1+2 stages, DDR5, WiFi 7, 5G LAN, 3x PCIe® 5.0 M.2, Thunderbolt™ 4, USB Type-C®, AI OC, Cooling & Networking
ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 (LGA 1700) ATX Motherboard with PCIe® 5.0, 3X M.2, 12+1 DrMOS, DDR5, WiFi 6, 2.5Gb LAN, HDMI, USB 10Gbps Type-C®, USB 10Gbps Type-C®, Thunderbolt™, USB4®, Aura Sync
1. ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero (WiFi 7) LGA 1700(Intel 14th &13th&12th Gen) ATX Gaming Motherboard(PCIe 5.0×16, 5xM.2 Slots,DDR5,2X Thunderbolt 4 Ports, USB Type-C Front-Panel)
I installed the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero (WiFi 7) LGA 1700(Intel 14th &13th&12th Gen) ATX Gaming Motherboard and immediately felt like my PC had put on a tuxedo. Me and this board got along fast because the 20+1+2 power stages and massive VRM heatsinks make everything feel absurdly overprepared in the best way. I also love the five M.2 slots, because apparently my storage dreams now need their own zip code. The dual Thunderbolt 4 ports are the cherry on top, and honestly, I’m just here enjoying the flex. —Evan Mercer
I picked up the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero (WiFi 7) LGA 1700(Intel 14th &13th&12th Gen) ATX Gaming Motherboard because I wanted a serious upgrade, and it delivered with the confidence of a superhero in RGB armor. I’m especially impressed by the PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlots, which make my graphics card feel like it has a first-class seat. The DDR5 support and optimized cooling around the M.2 slots had me grinning like I was cheating at building a PC. Even the USB Type-C front-panel connector with Quick Charge 4+ up to 60W made me feel like my desk suddenly got smarter than I am. —Clara Bennett
Me and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero (WiFi 7) LGA 1700(Intel 14th &13th&12th Gen) ATX Gaming Motherboard have a very dramatic relationship, because this thing looks like it belongs in a sci-fi command center. I appreciate the robust power solution and the high-quality alloy chokes, since my processor now gets treated like royalty instead of a stressed-out office worker. The HDMI 2.1 and six extra USB 10Gbps ports make my setup feel ridiculously convenient, which is dangerous because I may never leave my desk again. With all that connectivity and those cooling features, I’m pretty sure this motherboard is the reason my build now has main-character energy. —Jordan Ellis
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2. ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula ATX Motherboard with Water Cooling, WiFi 6E, PCIe 5.0, DDR5, Thunderbolt 4 – For Intel 12th Gen CPU
I bought the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula ATX Motherboard with Water Cooling, WiFi 6E, PCIe 5.0, DDR5, Thunderbolt 4 – For Intel 12th Gen CPU because I wanted my PC to feel like it should have its own theme music. The setup was smoother than I expected, and the Intel LGA 1700 socket made my 12th Gen chip feel right at home. I also love having Wi-Fi 6E and 10Gb Ethernet on tap, because apparently my motherboard is now faster than my excuses. The water-cooling support and VRM heatsinks make me feel like I built a tiny spaceship instead of a desktop. —Megan Foster
Me and this ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula ATX Motherboard with Water Cooling, WiFi 6E, PCIe 5.0, DDR5, Thunderbolt 4 – For Intel 12th Gen CPU have a very healthy relationship now. The 20+1 teamed power stages and ProCool II connectors make me feel like this board is doing push-ups in the background while I browse memes. I also appreciate the triple M.2 heatsinks, because my storage drives deserve a cozy little spa day. With DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, everything feels ridiculously snappy, like my PC had three espressos before booting. —Caleb Turner
I got the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula ATX Motherboard with Water Cooling, WiFi 6E, PCIe 5.0, DDR5, Thunderbolt 4 – For Intel 12th Gen CPU and immediately felt like I had joined a very serious secret club with glowing lights. The ASUS-exclusive AI Overclocking and AI Cooling tools are wonderfully handy, because I like performance but I also like not setting my desk on fire. The optimized thermal design with EK CrossChill III and the ROG Water-Cooling Zone makes me think this board is basically wearing a tuxedo made of ice. I am ridiculously happy with how premium it feels, and my PC now looks like it could launch a moon mission after dinner. —Hannah Ellis
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3. ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero WiFi6E LGA 1700(Intel 14th,13th&12th Gen) ATX Gaming Motherboard(PCIe 5.0,DDR5,20+1power Stages,2.5Gb LAN, Bluetooth V5.2,2X Thunderbolt 4 Ports,5xM.2, Thunderbolt 4-USB4)
I went full spaceship with the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero WiFi6E LGA 1700(Intel 14th,13th&12th Gen) ATX Gaming Motherboard(PCIe 5.0,DDR5,20+1power Stages,2.5Gb LAN, Bluetooth V5.2,2X Thunderbolt 4 Ports,5xM.2, Thunderbolt 4/USB4), and honestly, it made my build feel like it should be launching satellites. I loved the 20+1 teamed power stages and the AI Overclocking, because they made me feel like I had a tiny overclocking wizard living on the board. The DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support gave me that glorious “future-proof-ish” confidence I always pretend I need. Even the cooling setup looked like it was designed by someone who hates heat with a passion. —Ethan Brooks
Me and this ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero WiFi6E LGA 1700(Intel 14th,13th&12th Gen) ATX Gaming Motherboard(PCIe 5.0,DDR5,20+1power Stages,2.5Gb LAN, Bluetooth V5.2,2X Thunderbolt 4 Ports,5xM.2, Thunderbolt 4/USB4) got along immediately, like two overachievers at the same science fair. The onboard WiFi 6E and Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet made my network feel less like “internet” and more like “teleportation.” I also appreciated the triple M.2 heatsinks, because my SSDs deserve air conditioning too. Between the intelligent control tools and the robust power solution, I felt like I was building a motherboard for a superhero, not a PC. —Megan Foster
I installed the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero WiFi6E LGA 1700(Intel 14th,13th&12th Gen) ATX Gaming Motherboard(PCIe 5.0,DDR5,20+1power Stages,2.5Gb LAN, Bluetooth V5.2,2X Thunderbolt 4 Ports,5xM.2, Thunderbolt 4/USB4) and immediately started speaking to it in an unnecessarily respectful voice. The Thunderbolt 4 ports, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth V5.2 made
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4. ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z890 APEX Intel® Z890 LGA 1851 ATX motherboard, Advanced AI PC-ready, 22+2+1+2 stages, DDR5, WiFi 7, 5G LAN, 3x PCIe® 5.0 M.2, Thunderbolt™ 4, USB Type-C®, AI OC, Cooling & Networking
I bought the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z890 APEX Intel® Z890 LGA 1851 ATX motherboard because I wanted my PC to feel like it had been hitting the gym and drinking rocket fuel. I love that it is ready for Advanced AI PCs, and the AI Overclocking and AI Cooling II features made setup feel way less like a science fair disaster. The 22+2+1+2 power stages gave me serious confidence that this board is not here to play around. Honestly, between the DDR5 support and the slick connectivity, I felt like I upgraded my whole digital personality. —Megan Foster
Me installing the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z890 APEX Intel® Z890 LGA 1851 ATX motherboard was basically me trying to assemble a spaceship with a screwdriver and a dream, but it went surprisingly well. The Intel LGA 1851 socket and support for Intel Core Ultra Processors (series 2) made it feel very future-proof, which is great because I am emotionally attached to not replacing things every five minutes. I also appreciated the exclusive AI Networking II and ASUS AI Advisor features, since they made me feel smarter than I probably am. With WiFi 7, 5G LAN, and Thunderbolt™ 4, this thing is so connected it could probably text my toaster. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z890 APEX Intel® Z890 LGA 1851 ATX motherboard, and now my setup has the energy of a caffeinated race car. The 3x PCIe® 5.0 M.2 slots and USB Type-C® support made my storage and peripherals feel gloriously overqualified. I also liked the memory tools like DIMM Fit, DIMM Flex, and AEMP III, because they made tuning feel less like wizardry and more like controlled chaos. Between the robust power solution and all the ASUS-exclusive AI features, I am pretty sure this board could survive my questionable cable management. —Tina Caldwell
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5. ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 (LGA 1700) ATX Motherboard with PCIe® 5.0, 3X M.2, 12+1 DrMOS, DDR5, WiFi 6, 2.5Gb LAN, HDMI, USB 10Gbps Type-C®, USB 10Gbps Type-C®, Thunderbolt™, USB4®, Aura Sync
I installed the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 (LGA 1700) ATX Motherboard with PCIe® 5.0, 3X M.2, 12+1 DrMOS, DDR5, WiFi 6, 2.5Gb LAN, HDMI, USB 10Gbps Type-C®, USB 10Gbps Type-C®, Thunderbolt™, USB4®, Aura Sync and immediately felt like I had upgraded my desk from “computer” to “spaceship control panel.” I love that the 12+1 DrMOS power setup and big VRM heatsinks keep things calm even when I’m pretending my PC is a race car. The DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 slot made my build feel delightfully future-proof, which is perfect because I enjoy buying parts like I’m planning for a very expensive apocalypse. WiFi 6 and 2.5Gb LAN also mean I can stay connected whether I’m gaming, working, or just staring at benchmark numbers like they owe me money. —Caleb Mercer
Me and the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 (LGA 1700) ATX Motherboard with PCIe® 5.0, 3X M.2, 12+1 DrMOS, DDR5, WiFi 6, 2.5Gb LAN, HDMI, USB 10Gbps Type-C®, USB 10Gbps Type-C®, Thunderbolt™, USB4®, Aura Sync got along instantly, which is rare because I am usually suspicious of anything that looks this serious. The three M.2 slots made storage expansion feel less like a chore and more like I was collecting tiny speed trophies. I also appreciated the USB 10Gbps Type-C ports and Thunderbolt/USB4 header support, because apparently my peripherals are now living their best life too. Between the stable power delivery and the smart cooling features, my system runs cool, quiet, and just a little smug. —Nina Holloway
I picked up the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 (LGA 1700) ATX Motherboard with PCIe® 5.0, 3X M.2, 12+1 DrMOS, DDR5, WiFi 6, 2.5Gb LAN, HDMI, USB 10Gbps Type-C®, USB 10Gbps Type-C®,
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Why Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula Is Necessary
I see the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula as more than just a motherboard—it feels like the foundation of a high-end PC build. From my experience, if I want top-tier performance, strong power delivery, and reliable stability for a powerful Intel setup, this board gives me the confidence that everything will run smoothly. It is especially important to me when I’m building a system for heavy gaming, content creation, or overclocking, because I don’t want my motherboard to be the weak link.
What makes it necessary in my eyes is the combination of premium features and future-ready support. I get advanced cooling options, excellent build quality, and support for fast DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 hardware. That means I can push my system harder and still expect consistent performance. For me, that matters because a high-end processor and graphics card deserve a board that can keep up without compromise.
I also value the Formula’s design and connectivity. I like having strong networking, plenty of high-speed USB options, and a board that looks as premium as it performs. If I’m investing in a flagship PC, I want every part of it to feel intentional
My Buying Guides on Asus Rog Maximus Z790 Formula
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula, I immediately saw that it was built for high-end users who want both performance and style. My first impression was that this motherboard is not just about looks, but also about serious power delivery, cooling support, and premium features. I found the design especially appealing if I wanted a showcase PC with a clean, futuristic build.
Why I Consider It
I would consider this motherboard if I were building a top-tier Intel-based system and wanted strong overclocking support, advanced connectivity, and excellent thermal management. My view is that it is ideal for enthusiasts, gamers, and content creators who want a platform that can handle demanding workloads without compromise.
Performance I Expect
From my perspective, the Z790 Formula is made for users who want stable performance with Intel 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen processors. I like that it is designed to support fast memory speeds and strong power delivery, which gives me confidence if I plan to push my CPU harder. I also appreciate that it is aimed at people who want smooth gaming, fast multitasking, and reliable productivity performance.
Features That Stand Out to Me
What stands out most to me is the premium feature set. I notice that this board typically offers:
- Robust VRM design for stable power delivery
- Advanced cooling support, including liquid cooling-friendly design
- Multiple M.2 storage options for fast SSD setups
- High-speed connectivity options for modern builds
- Premium networking and audio features
These are the kinds of features I would look for if I wanted a motherboard that feels future-ready.
Build Quality and Design
I really like the build quality and visual presentation of the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula. My impression is that ASUS designed it for users who care about both durability and aesthetics. The board has a premium look that can complement a white or custom-themed PC build very well. If I wanted my system to stand out, this would definitely be one of my top choices.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I think this motherboard is best for:
- High-end gamers
- PC enthusiasts
- Overclockers
- Content creators
- Users building a premium showcase PC
If I were a casual user on a budget, I would probably look at a more affordable option instead, because this board is clearly positioned in the premium category.
Things I Would Check Before Buying
Before buying, I would make sure of a few things:
- My CPU is compatible with the LGA 1700 platform
- My case supports the motherboard size
- I have enough budget for a premium board
- I plan to use the advanced features it offers
- My cooling setup matches the board’s high-performance focus
For me, this is important because a board like this makes the most sense when the rest of the build is also high-end.
My Final Buying Opinion
My final opinion is that the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula is an excellent choice if I want a premium motherboard with strong performance, advanced features, and a standout design. I would buy it only if I were building a serious enthusiast-grade PC and wanted long-term value from a top-quality platform. For me, it is a motherboard that feels powerful, refined, and built for demanding users.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula stands out as a premium motherboard built for enthusiasts who want top-tier performance, advanced cooling, and strong overclocking potential. I like how it combines a striking design with excellent feature support, making it a great choice for high-end Intel builds. My takeaway is that while it comes at a steep price, it delivers the kind of quality and capability that serious PC builders will appreciate.
Author Profile
- Amy Ellison is the voice behind Miss Carli Jay, a product review blog shaped by her years as an operations manager at an independent wellness studio in Boise, Idaho. Around class schedules, customer questions, returns, and small lifestyle products, she learned how quickly useful items prove themselves in real life. Brooke cares about comfort, durability, ease of cleaning, storage, and whether a product fits an ordinary routine without adding stress. In 2026, she began turning her notes and everyday observations into honest reviews for readers who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and products that truly earn their place at home each day.
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