ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming WiFi Motherboard Review

ASUS are the masters of mini-ITX, often creating many of the most powerful and feature-packed motherboards in this size class. This is often done by providing external hardware and a stacked PCB design, and I’m happy to report that the new is no ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming WiFi exception. It comes packed with features for the PC gaming enthusiast that are sure to make it a big hit with Intel 12th and 13th Gen users!

ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-I Gaming WiFi

When it comes to the CPU, it makes do with a 10+1 VRM configuration, a far cry from the big ATX motherboards, but keep in mind, it is a mini-ITX motherboard and this should still be plenty to hit boost clocks on the more powerful CPUs. There’s the fantastic ROG Strix Hive too, which I’ve seen on other models from ASUS, but it’s basically a desktop device that features OC controls, a sound card, a volume control knob and more. Having the soundcard external allows them to stack more USB, SATA, additional M.2 slots, and more onto the PCB of the motherboard.

Features

• Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for 13th Gen Intel Core processors & 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors
• SFF Innovations: ROG Strix Hive moves OC controls and connectivity to the desktop while allowing for a larger audio solution, and the ROG FPS-II Card vertically mounts USB and SATA ports
• Robust Power Solution: 10 + 1 power solution rated for 105A per stage with ProCool II power connectors, high-quality alloy chokes, and durable capacitors to support multi-core processors
• Optimized VRM Thermals: Thick heatsinks with integrated I/O cover high-conductivity thermal pads, and connected with an L-shaped heatpipe
• Multi-Layer M.2 Stack: Both a PCIe5.0 M.2 slot and a PCIe 4.0 M.2 are sandwiched between thick heatsinks in a space-saving and thermally-efficient array
• Abundant Connectivity: Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C rear I/O port and front-panel connector, four additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot, and HDMI 2.1
• High-Performance Networking: On-board Intel Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard
• Intelligent Control: ASUS-exclusive AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, AI Networking and Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation to simplify setup and improve performance

What ASUS Had to Say

“Rules are made to be broken. Smashing the conventions of what a mini-ITX motherboard can do, the ROG Strix Z790-I’s power delivery rivals that of full-scale titans and its stacked thermal array is more than a match for multi-core behemoths. It also expands the boundaries of connectivity, with the innovative ROG Hive, a hybrid audio and USB hub with an added twist – an AI Overclocking button makes tuning so easy, it feels like cheating.” – ASUS