Today, we are writing this ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II Review to check one of the latest ROG offerings. The motherboard has a powerful VRM with a wide silver heatsink that powers the latest Intel 14th Generation Core processors. The Wi-Fi 7, PCIe 5.0, and high-speed USB displays its efficiency across tasks.
ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II Packaging
We received our unit in time for this ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II Review. It ships in a standard-looking ROG package that is thick and sturdy enough to protect the motherboard. If you need more details, check the back of the box, which features its specifications, etc.
ASUS packed the following items with the Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II:
- 2x SATA 6Gb/s cables
- Thermal pad for M.2
- ASUS Wi-Fi Q-Antenna
- M.2 backplate Q-Latch package
- M.2 Q-Latch package
- 2x M.2 rubber packages
- M.2 backplate Rubber package
- Cable ties package
- ROG key chain
- ROG Strix stickers
- Quick start guide
ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II Review – Design and Functionality
This motherboard is an upgraded version of the standard Wi-Fi one and is distinguishable by its Wi-Fi 7 integration. It also sports the Wi-Fi directional Q-Antenna from ASUS.
We took note of its technical enhancements while writing our ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II Review. It includes direct support for a PCIe 5.0 x4 and five M.2 slots to avoid extra expansion cards.
The Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II has a sleek black multilayer PCB with silver heatsinks and shrouds. You will find them over the components for effective heat management.
The left VRM heatsink features RGB LEDs with a frosted ROG symbol. It has a VRM heatsink to ensure optimal power delivery performance, providing functionality and style.
While the RGB lighting may not steal the spotlight, it enhances the aesthetic appeal. It also showcases its distinct style within your chassis.
LGA1700 Socket and Compatible Processor
This motherboard is compatible with the latest 12th, 13th, and 14th Generation LGA1700 processors. It also includes the Core i9-14900K and KS models.
Equipped with 16x 70A MOSFETs and other essential processor support components, it flawlessly managed our CPU during testing. The heatsinks effectively maintained power solutions within the optimal parameters, even under overclocking conditions.
However, these exhibited some warmth after prolonged periods of intense CPU use.
Memory
According to its specifications, this board supports memory up to DDR5-8000+ (OC), marking a 200MHz boost from its predecessor. It exceeds the needs of users and goes beyond the performance-to-cost spot.
Similar to other Z790 boards, the model accommodates non-binary memory configurations. These have a maximum capacity of 192GB, sufficient for even the most demanding power users.
Connectors of the ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II
The Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II has many connectors. At the top corner, you will find the dual ProCool II 8-pin EPS power connectors. Powering the CPU will require one of these.
VRM heatsinks surround the EPS power connectors for cooling power bits below. Also, you will find the only integrated RGB element above the left VRM heatsink. It is an ROG symbol that glows with sufficient brightness.
Fan and RGB Headers
Adjacent to the top VRM heatsink and near the EPS connectors are the first three out of eight 4-pin fan headers. Each header can deliver up to 1A/12W output, sufficient for most setups.
When installing fans, avoid overloading the headers to prevent motherboard damage. Two CPU fan headers can identify if you attached a PWM or DC-based fan. However, you must specify it manually for the rest of the headers.
On the right, you will find four unreinforced DRAM slots. These have one locking mechanism on top. Also, you will find the Q-LED array, a DIY feature designed to detect issues during the POST process.
Below are the initial RGB headers, including the first three 3-pin ARGB headers and the only 4-pin RGB header. Aura Sync software in Armoury Crate manages and organises these devices.
Along the edge, you will find the 24-pin ATX connector for powering the board. This section also has a front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C connector that offers 10Gb/s transfer speeds. Finally, you will find the 19-pin front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 1 header with 5GB/s speed.
Another noteworthy feature here is the Q-Release. This handy button allows unlocking the primary graphics card slot with one press. Also, it eliminates the need to manually press down the latch between the video card and the M.2 heatsink.
Expansion and Storage Slots
The middle of the motherboard features three PCIe slots and five M.2 sockets. The reinforced PCIe slot at the top connects through the processor. It is also the only one that can support PCIe 5.0 x16.
The two slots at the bottom connect through the chipset. The full-length one supports up to PCIe 4.0 x16, while the smaller one supports PCIe 3.0 x1.
You will not see support for multi-GPU in the product specifications, but this motherboard has adequate bandwidth for AMD CrossFire.
The five M.2 sockets are hidden around the PCIe slots and among the heatsinks. All are PCIe 4.0 x4 (64 Gb/s), and one supports SATA-based M.2 modules for better versatility. In addition, all M.2 sockets use the M.2 Q-Latch, which eliminates using screws when installing your M.2.
On the right edge of the motherboard after the chipset is four SATA ports. The SATA and M.2 storage support RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10. These modes can be repeated or added speed, depending on your mode choice.
At the bottom edge of the board, you will find various headers. These include extra USB 2.0 ports, fan headers, front panel audio, a COM port, and ARGB headers. This area also features a Thunderbolt AIC header, a 2-pin temperature header, a clear-CMOS jumper, and the front panel header.
Audio Solution
The audio solution implements the USB-based Realtek ALC4080 codec. It supports up to 24-bit/284kHz sample rates and can deliver high-quality output with 120dB (output) and 113dB (input) signal-to-noise ratio.
The codec has an integrated headphone amplifier that can produce 2Vrms output and identify the impedance of the connected headphones.
Rear I/O
The rear I/O of the Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II has a pre-installed backplate. It has a white background with ROG branding, and the ports and connectors have black labels.
This section is where you will find the HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs. They are close to the clear-CMOS and BIOS flashback buttons.
Next, you will find the two USB-C ports. One has 10Gb/s speed, while the other is 20Gb/s. Also, there are 10 USB-A connectors. Two offer 10Gb/s, while four have 5Gb/s speeds, and last four are USB 2.0 ports.
The Wi-Fi 7 connection follows the USB ports. It uses a quick-attaching Q-Antenna, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet, and a 2-plug + SPDIF audio stack.
Key Features of the ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II
Improved Power Solution for Enhanced Efficiency
The Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II has 19 power stages. They have ProCool II connectors, durable capacitors, 8-layer PCB and alloy chokes. With its upgraded power solution, this motherboard can provide stable power.
Aside from an adequate power supply, this solution maintains electrical volume when performing simple tasks or operating at full power.
Gaming with Style
The Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II has a stylish design with a brushed aluminium finish and integrated RGB. The latter works with Aura Sync, allowing you to customise your lighting with many colours and effects.
7.1-channel Audio
The SupremeFX 7.1-channel ALC4080 codec offers crisp, clear, and high-fidelity audio. It works with gold-plated audio jacks and premium capacitors for optimal sound conductivity. As a result, this motherboard delivers reliable audio signals that prevent interference to make sound more immersive.
Flexible Connectivity of the ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II
The Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II offers solid connectivity options for your peripherals. USB-A delivers 5Gb/s data transfer speeds, while the USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 & Gen 2 offers 10Gb/s. It is suitable for mics, webcams, and external storage devices.
This motherboard also has a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, offering 20Gb/s transfer speeds. It works best for audio interfaces, storage arrays, and other resource-demanding devices.
With its internal Thunderbolt 4 header, you can use high-speed connectivity that supports power delivery technologies and fast transfer speeds.
Comprehensive Solutions for Efficient Cooling
The Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II stays cool under demanding tasks and heavy loads. It has integrated double-sided M.2 heatsinks, a VRM heatsink for chokes & capacitors, and a chipset heatsink. These deliver efficient thermal performance to prevent throttling.
The motherboard also has an AIO pump header and PWM chassis fan headers to support more cooling. You can maximise these extras and modify your system for the best thermal performance.
Intuitive Extras for Convenient Installation
ASUS added multiple on-board elements, allowing you to enjoy convenience as you install this motherboard and your components. These include M.2 Q-Latch, Q-LED, Q-Antenna, M.2 Q-Latch, PCIe 5.0 Safeslot and start button. Aside from these, you will find the BIOS FlashBack and Clear CMOS for a convenient BIOS update.
Setting up the motherboard to test for this ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II Review was a fun experience.
AI Technologies of the ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II for Enhanced Performance
The Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II maximises AI technologies to boost your PC performance. AI overclocking and cooling enhance games and productivity while keeping installed components cool.
Another AI technology implemented on this motherboard is AI noise cancellation, an audio-focused solution that reduces background noise. This tool makes your voice clear when delivering remote presentations or chatting with teammates when playing video games.
GameFirst
Armoury Crate integrates GameFirst to give you a better user experience. It allocates bandwidth using intelligent algorithms designed for different applications to optimise networking performance.
The latest GameFirst update offers NVIDIA GeForce support NOW to minimise latency during gaming and streaming. This feature made our gaming experiences enjoyable during our product tests for this ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II Review.
Keeping it Green with ROG
Everyone behind ROG helps create a sustainable future and uses post-consumer recycled (PCR) paper and plastic materials. These materials are FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council), which you will see on the packaging.
Intel Unison
ASUS offers a seamless tech experience on its latest Strix Z790 motherboards with Intel Unison. It is a complimentary technology you can access for free until September 3, 2024.
Intel Unison allows you to use a compatible tablet as a second display. When using this feature, you can wirelessly transfer content from your computer to your tablet/phone. Also, you can access photos on your smartphone while on your PC.
This unique technology lets you monitor text messages and mobile notifications or make calls without using your phone. It keeps you connected as you maintain a consistent workflow.
Specifications
- Chipset: Intel Z790 Chipset
- Memory: 4 x DIMM slots
- Maximum Memory Capacity: 92GB, DDR5 8000+
- Ethernet: 1x Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, ASUS LANGuard
- Bluetooth: 5.4
- Wireless Network: Wi-Fi 7
- Operating System: Windows 11, Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Form Factor: ATX
- Dimensions: 30.5×24.4cm
Hands-on with the ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II
Performance is the most crucial factor to consider before purchasing a motherboard. We tested this product to share our experience in this ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II Review. Before discussing its performance, we will focus on the BIOS and the Armoury Crate software.
BIOS and Utilities
The Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II uses the same BIOS as its predecessor. It features the ROG colour scheme with dark grey and red accents. Plus, the yellow and white text makes everything easy to read.
When launched, the BIOS displays the EZ mode interface. It shares high-level system information, including processor temperatures, core voltage, fan profiles, and DRAM status. Plus, you can access the Q-Fan functionality and EZ System tuning for quick system tweaking.
Since the Z790 chipset supports overclocking, you can enjoy higher performance with manual overclocking.
Advanced Menu
Launching the advanced menu of this BIOS displays a standard configuration with primary headings across the top. It is a comprehensive interface where you can access all the complex functionalities.
AI Tweaker has all the options for overclocking and tweaking your system. You can set RAM speeds, voltages, timings, and CPU overclocking options.
Opening the advanced tab shows several subheadings for configuring the CPU, USB, chipset, network functionality, and audio.
The primary next tab, monitoring, shows detailed information about your system. These include fan speeds, temperatures, voltage, and Q-Fan configuration.
We appreciate ASUS for allowing the creation and saving of custom fan curves since we can save profiles for specific applications.
We liked the overall layout of this BIOS since it logically laid out all menus and options. The interface was easy to navigate, and we also appreciate the comprehensive options for overclocking and tweaking the system performance. Also, the available version during our tests was stable and without issues.
Armoury Crate
The software used for the Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II is Armoury Crate. It has multiple functions like system monitoring, tweaking, and RGB customisation. The app interface matches the ROG theme, and its simplicity makes it user-friendly.
The main page shows all the connected hardware you can control via Armoury Crate and its functions.
Fan Xpert 4 is a section in the Armoury Crate for controlling all fans and water pumps linked to the 4-pin headers. You can select from four presets or customise each with your unique settings.
Another section in Armoury Crate is Aura Sync, where you can control the RGB lighting. You will find numerous effects and customise the RGBs individually.
Finally, the Tools section has all the downloadable materials. You can find the motherboard drivers, support documents, and other utilities.
Its temperatures remained low during our tests, and its highest never exceeded 61°C.
We noticed no instances of thermal throttling and the system maintained its fast and stable performance.
ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II Review Summary
The Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II is a well-rounded motherboard with many USB ports and M.2 mounts. With these, you can connect many peripherals and storage devices.
This motherboard delivered solid raw performance when we tested it for this ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II Review. Its processor performance was excellent, offering fast boot times and seamless performance.
The Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi is ideal for high-end gaming PC builds and creators who make gaming content.
Visit the official ASUS product page for more details about the ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II.
