ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Intel Z790 APEX ENCORE DDR5 PCIe 5.0 ATX Open Box Motherboard

ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore

The ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore boasts a sleek all-black design, robust appearance, upgraded power solution and an onboard PCIe® 5.0 M.2 slot for lightning-fast storage. Meanwhile, the ROG Memory Fan Kit offers active cooling to let tinkerers push DDR5 to the limit. And support for Intel® Core™ 14th generation processors lets users set new benchmarks for the wealth of activities that demand peak performance. This motherboard is the ultimate choice for enthusiasts and overclockers seeking style and power in their gaming setup.

ROG Overclocking Technologies

Tried and tested OC features offer extensive control over system performance for seasoned veterans and new recruits alike. Leverage onboard intelligence to automatically adapt CPU performance, or get a headstart on manual tuning and then utilise advanced tools and utilities to stay on the pulse and push boundaries.

AI Overclocking

Tuning is now faster and smarter than ever before. ASUS AI Overclocking profiles the CPU and cooling to predict the optimal configuration and push the system to its limits. Predicted values can be engaged automatically or used as a launching ground for further experimentation.

Overclocker’s Toolkit

The ROG Overclocker’s Toolkit is a powerful set of hardware-level controls to enhance your overclocking experience. Some are quick and easy time savers, while others offer masterful functionality to help you smash benchmarks and break records.

Differential Sensing

Conventional motherboards use single-ended sensing tapped from a location that isn't ideal, leading to a large disparity between the actual voltage fed to the CPU and the value reported to software. The ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore features a differential-sensing circuit and delicate IC that simplify overclocking and tuning by allowing you to track voltages more accurately.

Condensation Detection

Specialised circuitry allows ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore to detect when condensation occurs on the back of the board. Divided into three distinct sections — CPU, DRAM, and PCIe — the feature provides a useful warning when an area may be at risk of short-circuiting.

Teamed Power Architecture

Today's CPU architectures place incredible demands on motherboard power design by transitioning from deep power-saving modes, going from lower-power mode to full load in an instant. The latest ROG VRM architecture rises to the challenge by utilising teamed power stages to rapidly swing current, while maintaining exemplary thermal performance.

A Shift in CPU Demands

Modern CPUs pack more cores than their predecessors, and the latest instruction sets allow them to crunch computationally dense workloads at an incredible pace. In addition, they consume less power at idle and can transition between load states much more quickly. These improvements necessitate a re-evaluation of power-design priorities because phase-doublers add a propagation delay that hampers transient response.

Bucking the Trend

Fortunately, the latest integrated power components can handle higher currents than the devices of yesteryear, making it possible to implement a simple circuit topology that isn't hamstrung by the processing lag of phase-doublers. That's why the ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore utilises teamed power stages to deliver higher burst current per phase, while maintaining the thermal performance of phase-doubled designs.

Thermal Performance

Each VRM component serves a specific purpose. PWM controllers and phase-doublers control the circuit, and the power stages do the heavy lifting from an electrical and thermal standpoint. The power stages feature low RDSON to reduce switching and conduction losses, helping to improve overall thermal headroom.

Memory

Comprehensive memory tuning options are the cornerstone of ROG motherboards. With the ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore, you can extract all of the potential out of your DDR5 modules, regardless of if they're from an extreme-speed kit or an entry-level set that would otherwise be locked.

DDR5 Domination

ROG has a long legacy of flexing the fastest memory performance, and DDR5 is no outlier. Thanks to improved signal routing, now enthusiast-grade kits have been driven as far as 8 GT/s on the Maximus Z790 Apex Encore, and who knows how far future DIMMs can go? Seasoned veterans can test their mettle by tinkering with the extensive array of tuning options in the UEFI.
The ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore is also equipped with the ROG Memory Fan Kit – a cooling solution to solidify DDR5 stability and unleash memory overclocking. With the ROG Memory Fan Kit, your DDR5 modules can push the boundaries and reach overclocking speeds of 8400+ MT/s. Experience superior cooling performance and unlock the full potential of your memory with ease.

DIMM Flex

DIMM Flex provides enthusiasts with a powerful new way to overclock their DDR5 memory modules. It employs specialised circuitry that can boost performance or address potential stability issues, depending on temperature readings. When temperatures are nominal, it can use the extra headroom to increase speeds and efficiency. And when temperatures increase, it can adjust memory behaviour downward to maintain stability.

AEMP II

ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II (AEMP II) is an exclusive firmware feature that allows users to achieve supreme memory performance and compatibility with optimised clock speeds, even when they're using PMIC-restricted memory modules that do not provide an XMP or EXPO profile. Developed through a flexible training method, AEMP II simplifies the process of fine-tuning memory settings beyond the baseline configuration, all while ensuring system stability. This applies whether you are maximising the potential of an entry-level module or preparing a high-speed kit for ultimate performance.

VRM Heatsink Array

VRM heatsinks on the MOSFETs and chokes are connected by an embedded heatpipe to increase mass and surface area for dissipation.

M.2 Heatsinks and Backplates

Three onboard M.2 slots are thoroughly cooled with heatsinks and backplates for maximum cooling performance.

ROG DIMM.2 Card Heatsink

Two additional M.2 slots are kept cool with the DIMM.2 card's hefty heatsinks.

Extended VRM and M.2 Heatsink

An extended heatsink helps further cool the VRM along with an M.2 drive.

ROG Water-Cooling Zone

Dual water-temperature headers and a flow-rate header feed information straight into Armoury Crate, allowing you to track coolant temperatures and the flow rate of the entire loop.

Cooler Compatibility

ASUS AIO coolers offer robust performance, high overclocking potential, bold aesthetics and customisable functionality for new Z790 motherboards, empowering you to build your dream gaming rig.

WiFi 7

Next-gen WiFi 7* chipset introduces all-new ultrawide 320 MHz channel bandwidth in the 6 GHz band and 4096 QAM, delivering up to 2.4X ultra-fast WiFi speeds**. The revolutionary Multi-Link Operation (MLO) provides a more stable WiFi connection and lower latency, unlocking the realms of the unknown in gaming, streaming, and industrial IoT.

2.5Gb Ethernet

Low-latency gaming, speedy file transfers, and high-resolution video streaming are among the many perks of onboard Intel® 2.5 Gbps Ethernet.

PCIE 5.0

Fully embracing the new standard, the ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore offers abundant Gen 5 support to give unfettered bandwidth to the fastest SSDs and graphics cards available.

Three Onboard M.2 Slots

The ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore features three onboard M.2 slots, one of which is PCIe 5.0-ready to offer blistering 16GB/s speeds, while the others offer still-impressive 8GB/s over PCIe 4.0 interfaces.

ROG DIMM.2 Card

The ROG DIMM.2 card allows you to easily mount two M.2 drives next to the memory slots, where it’s large heatsinks benefit directly from chassis airflow for prime cooling performance.

USB 20Gbps Type-C

ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore comes loaded with two USB 20Gbps Type-C® connectors. One is a port on the rear I/O; the other can be attached to the chassis front panel and it also features Quick Charge 4+ technology to quickly charge devices at up to 60W.

SupremeFX

ROG SupremeFX is a unique blend of hardware and software that provides superior audio. The ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore's SupremeFX implementation features the ALC4080 codec with up to 32-bit/384 kHz playback. The front-panel output is streamed through a highly integrated Savitech amplifier that is capable of driving a wide variety of gaming headsets and high-fidelity headphones.

PCIe® Slot Q-Release

A physical button unlocks the first PCIe slot’s security latch with one tap, greatly simplifying the process of detaching a PCIe card from the motherboard when it’s time to upgrade to a new GPU or other compatible device.

M.2 Q-Latch

The innovative Q-Latch makes it easy to install or remove an M.2 SSD without the need for specific tools. The design employs a simple locking mechanism to secure the drive and neatly eliminate traditional screws.

Q-Antenna

With Q-Antenna, attaching a WiFi antenna to your PC is now easy and fast. Instead of slowly rotating two fasteners until they finally lock in, they just snap into place. Less hassle, and more consistent performance.

Q-Code

The on-board LED panel shows 2-digit diagnostic codes, providing a valuable reference for troubleshooting common boot problems and hardware issues.

Q-LED

The on-board Q-LED troubleshooting lights give PC builders a quick indicator to confirm that key components - CPU, RAM, graphics card, storage devices - are functioning normally during startup. Builders can use the Q-LED feature to correct power delivery issues affecting their motherboard, and it can also alert them when memory modules have not been properly installed--even before attempting to boot a newly built PC.

BIOS FlashBack™

BIOS FlashBack™ is a safe and simple way to update BIOS. Just drop the (UEFI) BIOS file onto a FAT32-formatted USB stick, plug it into the USB BIOS FlashBack port, and press the button. Updates can even be performed without having memory or a CPU installed.

Clear CMOS

The Clear CMOS button quickly resets BIOS settings to factory default. It can also be used to reboot the PC if incorrect BIOS settings have been selected.

AI Cooling II

Balance the thermals and acoustics of any build with a single click. A proprietary ASUS algorithm slashes unnecessary noise while running a quick stress test, and then monitors CPU temperatures to dynamically adjust fans to optimal speeds.

Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation

This utility leverages a massive deep-learning database to reduce over 5 million types of background noise from incoming or outgoing audio, helping ensure crystal-clear communication in games or calls.

AI Networking

GameFirst is now integrated into Armoury Crate for an even better user experience. GameFirst optimises networking performance by allocating bandwidth in real time, based on intelligent algorithms designed for various application customisable usage scenarios and corresponding learning algorithms. The latest update includes dedicated support for NVIDIA® GeForce NOW to ensure the lowest latency possible during intense game streaming cloud gaming sessions. To provide a better user’s experience, GameFirst is now integrated into Armoury Crate.

UEFI BIOS

The renowned ROG UEFI (BIOS) provides everything you need to configure, tweak, and tune your rig. It offers intelligently simplified options for newcomers to PC DIY, as well as more comprehensive features for seasoned veterans.

Grow Your Gaming World with Aura Sync

Up your game with complementary Aura Sync enhanced aesthetics, featuring preset lighting effects that can be easily synchronised across compatible ROG graphics cards, monitors, keyboards, and mice to give your setup a unified look.

Sonic Studio

Sonic Studio supports HRTF-based (head-related transfer function*) virtual surround for headsets, casting an immersive aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action. The intuitive Sonic Studio interface also offers a range of EQ options and one-click presets, allowing you to tailor acoustics to suit personal preferences or the characteristics of your headset.

DTS Sound Unbound

Through the pre-loaded DTS® Sound Unbound™ app, the ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore envelops you in rich audio, conjuring whole new levels of immersion for extraordinary gaming and entertainment experiences. By exploiting Microsoft spatial sound technology, DTS Sound Unbound creates an audial 3D space — putting you right in the middle of the soundscape, where you can sense the location and direction of every gunshot, footstep, or other sound in your virtual environment.

• Extensive Gen 5: x1 onboard M.2 slot, and x2 PCIe 5.0 x16 slots.
• MAX. 96GB, DIMM Flex, AEMP II.
• ROG Memory Fan Kit.
• WiFi 7.
• ROG DIMM.2: Adds x2 M.2 slots in a DIY-friendly shell.
• AI Overclocking: Effortless performance boost.
• AI Cooling II: One-click fan tuning.
• 24+0+2 Power Stages.
• Teamed Power Solution.
• DIY-Friendly Design.