Overview

The ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI is an ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z790 chipset, designed for 13th and 14th Gen Intel Core processors (LGA1700). It fully supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 storage, offering robust power delivery and cooling for high-end CPUs. As part of the ROG STRIX lineup, it balances premium features with gaming-focused aesthetics.

Key Features

  • 16+1+2 phase VRM with 70A power stages ensures stable operation even with Core i9-14900K under heavy load
  • Four DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 192GB, with XMP 3.0 and EXPO profile support
  • One PCIe 5.0 x16 slot (SafeSlot reinforced) and one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, plus four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots
  • 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6E (Intel AX210) for fast wired and wireless connectivity
  • Rear I/O includes USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C (20Gbps) and multiple USB 3.2 ports
  • Onboard RGB and addressable RGB headers for lighting customization

Compatibility Guide

  • CPU Socket: LGA1700 (supports 12th to 14th Gen Core; 12th Gen may have some feature limitations)
  • Memory: DDR5 only (no DDR4 support). Rated at 5600MHz, overclockable beyond 7600MHz
  • Form Factor: ATX (305mm x 244mm). Use a case that supports ATX or E-ATX, preferably mid-tower or larger
  • PCIe: PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for GPU; PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot is CPU-direct for ultra-fast NVMe SSDs
  • Storage: 5 M.2 slots (1x PCIe 5.0, 4x PCIe 4.0) and 4 SATA 6Gbps ports
  • Power: 24-pin ATX main, dual 8-pin CPU power. Recommended PSU: 750W minimum (850W+ for Core i9 + high-end GPU)
  • Max GPU Length: ~380mm (case-dependent; fits most large GPUs)
  • Cooler Clearance: ~165mm (compatible with large air coolers and 240mm/360mm AIOs)

Ideal Builds

  • High-end gaming PC: Pair with Core i7-14700K or Core i9-14900K and an RTX 4070 Ti SUPER or higher for smooth 4K high-refresh gaming
  • Creator workstation: Leverage large DDR5 capacity and fast NVMe SSDs for video editing and 3D rendering
  • Overclocking enthusiast: The strong VRM and detailed BIOS allow pushing CPU and memory frequencies

Upgrade Considerations

  • LGA1700 is likely the final socket for this platform; if future CPU upgrades are planned, consider a Z890 board with LGA1851
  • The PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot is CPU-direct and does not affect GPU lanes, but large SSD heatsinks may interfere with GPU clearance
  • Choose a PSU with headroom; for Core i9 + high-end GPU, 850W or more is recommended
  • Case airflow matters: ensure good ventilation for VRM and M.2 cooling to maintain stability under sustained loads