With the release of Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake, Asus presents the Asus ROG Strix Z790-E, a motherboard that promises to deliver great features at an affordable price. In this review, we will dive into the features, design, and performance of this motherboard to help you decide if it’s worth considering for your Intel 13th-gen upgrade.
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Pros:
- 13th Gen with DDR5
- DDR5/PCIe 5.0
- 2.5Gbe / WiFi6e
- Price
- Performance
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Cons:
- Only 4 SATA Ports and No USB 4
- Not Meant for Workstation Use
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Verdict
The Asus ROG Strix Z790-E is a top-tier motherboard that offers an excellent combination of performance, features, and design for gamers. It supports the latest Intel 13th-gen CPUs, DDR5 RAM, and PCIe Gen 5, ensuring a powerful and future-proof gaming setup. The generous I/O, M.2 slots, USB ports, and network connectivity provide seamless connectivity options. However, limitations like the lack of SATA ports, USB 4 support, and 10GBe Ethernet make it less suitable for workstation use. Overall, this motherboard is a great choice for gamers looking for a high-performing and visually appealing option.
The Specs
The Asus ROG Strix Z790-E is a high-end motherboard that caters to gamers with its robust set of features. It supports both Intel 12th- and 13th-gen CPUs, has a twin 18+1 Digital VRM with 90 amps, DDR5 RAM, PCIe Gen 5 16x slot, and five M.2 slots. It also offers HDMI and DisplayPort out, a range of USB ports, Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Intel 2.5GbE LAN, and more.
- ATX form factor
- Support for both Intel 12th- and 13th-gen CPUs
- Twin 18+1 Digital VRM with 90 amps
- DDR5 RAM
- PCIe Gen 5 16x slot
- Five M.2 slots, (1x PCIe Gen 5 and 4x PCIe Gen 4)
- HDMI and DisplayPort out
- 12 USB ports on back, Including a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gb/s
- Intel Wi-Fi 6E
- Intel 2.5GbE LAN
- RGB Aura Sync header
- 4 SATA 6Gb/s ports
- 8 PWM fan headers
- BIOS Flashback and Clear CMOS
- Onboard power button
- Audio: ROG SupremeFX with ALC4080 Codec
- Backwards compatible CPU-cooler mounting
- MSRP $499
Asus ROG Strix Z790-E: Features
The Asus ROG Strix Z790-E is optimized for gaming, with features like PCIe Gen 5 and DDR5 RAM support, which can keep up with today’s most advanced GPUs. It allows for up to five M.2 drives and offers plentiful USB ports, including a blazing fast 20Gb/s 3.2 Gen 2×2.
The board also boasts a competent audio connectivity with the ROG SupremeFX ALC4080 Codec. Gamers will appreciate the “quality of life” features like BIOS flashback, Clear CMOS, onboard power button, and Q-release and Q-latch systems. The design of the motherboard, with its robust build quality and unique touches, further adds to its appeal.
Asus ROG Strix Z790-E: Design
The design of the Asus ROG Strix Z790-E compliments its performance-oriented features. With attractive M.2 armor and interesting details, this motherboard is visually appealing.
While it lacks a beefy backplate, Asus compensates with creative graphical touches and eye candy.
The Q-Code display is functional and aesthetically interesting. The surrounding upper VRM area is beefy and showcases the quirkiness that the Strix line is known for.
Performance and BIOS
With 18+1 power stages, the Asus ROG Strix Z790-E is well-equipped to handle high-performing CPUs like the Intel Core-i9 13900K. The DDR5 RAM support is also improved over its predecessor, allowing for dual-channel memory capable of overclocking to 7800.
The Asus BIOS and software suite provide a user-friendly experience, allowing for easy customization and tweaking. The Armory Crate software is particularly impressive, providing a unified hub for fan profiles, driver updates, and RGB settings.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Asus ROG Strix Z790-E?
Priced at $499, the Asus ROG Strix Z790-E is an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize performance and don’t need extra frills. It offers powerful VRMs for CPU overclocking, a playful design that enhances the gamer aesthetic, and “next-gen” tech upgrades like PCIe Gen 5 and DDR5 support.
For users in need of more features, there are other options available like the Asus ROG Z790 Hero. However, for gamers seeking a balance between high-end performance and affordability, the Asus ROG Strix Z790-E is hard to beat. Plus, it looks cool and stylish too!