ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi 6E Motherboard Review for High-Performance Builds

Description

Powerful Design and Build Quality

I’ve had the chance to test the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi 6E motherboard, and the first thing that struck me was its sleek, futuristic design. The iridescent ROG logo, combined with the monochrome finish and Aura lighting, makes this board a centerpiece for any gaming setup. It feels solid and well-built, weighing in at 4.45 pounds, and the dimensions are perfect for most ATX cases (13.3 x 10.8 x 2.9 inches). The pre-mounted I/O shield is a small but essential touch, especially for someone like me who always seems to fumble with those during assembly.

What makes the design stand out isn’t just aesthetics but functionality. Features like the PCIe Slot Q-Release and M.2 Q-Latch make installation a breeze. I didn’t need to wrestle with screws, which is a win in my book. It’s clear ASUS paid attention to detail, ensuring even novice builders won’t feel intimidated.

Performance and Features

This motherboard is a beast when it comes to performance. Equipped with a 16 + 1 power stage solution, it’s designed to handle the demands of 13th Gen Intel Core processors, and it didn’t disappoint. I pushed it with a multi-core CPU, and the 90A per stage power delivery kept things running without a hitch. The optimized VRM thermals, including massive heatsinks and high-conductivity thermal pads, ensured that heat was never an issue, even under load.

The inclusion of DDR5 memory support with speeds up to 7000 MHz was impressive. I paired it with high-speed RAM, and the performance boost in gaming and productivity tasks was noticeable. Moreover, the four M.2 slots are a dream for anyone who loves super-fast storage. I tested both PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 drives, and the speeds were phenomenal. The heatsinks on the M.2 slots are a thoughtful addition, keeping temperatures in check during extended use.

Key Benefits

• WiFi 6E integration offers incredibly fast and stable wireless connectivity.
• The 16 + 1 power delivery system ensures smooth performance for multi-core processors.
• AI Overclocking and AI Cooling II simplify performance tuning for beginners.
• Thoughtful DIY-friendly design elements like the Q-Latch system.

Connectivity and Networking

One feature that stood out during my testing was the abundant connectivity. The USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port on the rear I/O with Power Delivery 3.0 support up to 30W was a lifesaver for charging devices quickly. Additionally, there are plenty of USB ports (Gen 2 and Gen 1), which made connecting peripherals hassle-free.

The onboard WiFi 6E and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet delivered consistent, high-speed networking. I streamed 4K content while gaming online, and the connection never faltered. With ASUS LANGuard, I felt confident about its durability against power surges or unstable connections.

Shortcomings

While I was impressed overall, there were a few areas for improvement:

• The price can seem steep for those on a budget, even though it delivers high-end features.
• Lack of PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots might be a letdown for enthusiasts wanting the latest in storage tech.
• Some users might find the BIOS interface overwhelming if they’re not tech-savvy.

Competing Products

Comparing this to other gaming motherboards, I tested it alongside options from Gigabyte and MSI. While the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi offers similar features, it doesn’t quite match the DIY-friendly design of the ASUS board. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master, on the other hand, has slightly more advanced cooling options, but it lacks the AI features found in the ASUS product.

Where this motherboard truly excels is in its user-centric features like the Q-Release and pre-mounted I/O shield, making it ideal for builders of all experience levels. However, if you’re looking strictly for price-to-performance and don’t care as much about aesthetics or ease of installation, the Gigabyte model might be a viable contender.

Bang for the Buck

The question of whether this motherboard is worth the investment boils down to your needs. For gamers and enthusiasts looking for cutting-edge features like WiFi 6E, PCIe 5.0, and AI-enhanced controls, this board delivers exceptional value. Its robust power delivery and thoughtful design justify the premium cost, especially if you’re building a high-performance gaming rig.

That said, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t require all the bells and whistles, there are more affordable alternatives that might suit your needs. But for those who want the best blend of performance, design, and reliability, this is hard to beat.

Additional information