ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE intel 第14・13・12世代 CPU対応 LGA1700 Z790 搭載 DDR5 ATX マザーボード

This article covers ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE intel 第14・13・12世代 CPU対応 LGA1700 Z790 搭載 DDR5 ATX マザーボード.

Overview

The ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE is an ATX motherboard designed for Intel LGA1700 processors, supporting 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core CPUs. Built around the Z790 chipset, it adopts a unique 2-DIMM slot layout optimized for DDR5 memory overclocking, pushing speeds beyond DDR5-8400. The 24+2 power stage VRM, dual ProCool II power connectors, and comprehensive cooling make it one of the most capable boards for extreme tuning. As part of the ROG Maximus series, the APEX badge signifies a focus on memory and CPU overclocking performance. It includes PCIe 5.0 x16 slots (two, wired x16 or x8/x8), five M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0), and next-gen connectivity like WiFi 7 and Thunderbolt header. The board also features AI-driven utilities such as AI Cooling and AI Networking for intelligent system control. The extensive VRM heatsink with integrated I/O cover and dual M.2 heatsinks with backplates ensures thermal stability under heavy loads. Whether you're a competitive overclocker or a hardcore gamer, this motherboard provides the foundation for pushing hardware to its limits.

Compatibility Guide

CPU Socket: LGA1700 — compatible with Intel Core 12th Gen (Alder Lake), 13th Gen (Raptor Lake), and 14th Gen (Raptor Lake Refresh). BIOS update may be required for some CPUs; always check the ASUS support page before purchase. Memory: Dual-channel DDR5 only, two slots. Supports up to 96GB (2×48GB) and extreme overclocking profiles. XMP 3.0 recommended. Form Factor: ATX (30.5cm × 24.4cm) — fits most standard ATX cases. Ensure case width accommodates the board and large heatsinks. PCIe: Two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots (mode x16 or x8/x8) and one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. Supports SLI/CrossFire in x8/x8 mode. Storage: 5× M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0 ×4, four PCIe 4.0 ×4) + 4× SATA 6Gb/s ports. Power: 24-pin main + dual 8-pin EPS (ProCool II). Recommended PSU: 850W minimum for high-end configurations with i9-14900K and RTX 4090.

Product Info

Released in October 2023, the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE carries a retail price around ¥130,000 (JPY). Warranty is three years from the manufacturer (ASUS Japan). It sits at the very top of the Z790 motherboard hierarchy, targeting overclocking enthusiasts and power users. The 24+2 phase VRM can easily handle Intel Core i9-14900K under extreme loads. Features like PCIe 5.0, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and Thunderbolt header make it future-ready. While its primary purpose is overclocking, it also serves as an excellent general-purpose high-end board for gaming and creative work.

Best Use Cases

Extreme Memory Overclocking: The 2-DIMM PCB layout minimizes signal interference, allowing for record-breaking DDR5 speeds. This board is ideal for users who want to push memory frequency over 8400MT/s. High-End Gaming Rigs: Pair with a Core i9-14900K and RTX 4090 for uncompromised performance. Dual PCIe 5.0 slots support future GPUs and NVMe SSDs. * Creative Workstations: Five M.2 slots enable massive RAID arrays for video editing or 3D rendering; Thunderbolt header adds external device connectivity (e.g., high-speed storage or displays).

Things to Consider

This motherboard's 2-DIMM design limits memory capacity to 96GB; if you need 128GB or more, consider a 4-DIMM board. The high price point (over ¥130,000) may be overkill unless you specifically require extreme overclocking features. Beginners may find the extensive BIOS options overwhelming — the ROG STRIX series offers a more user-friendly experience at lower cost. Additionally, due to the large VRM heatsinks and M.2 heatsinks, ensure your case has sufficient clearance and airflow. Lastly, this board lacks an integrated I/O shield (the shield is attached to the board, which is fine), but some users may prefer built-in Wi-Fi antenna as standard.