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ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£300
  • CPU socket: LGA 1700
  • Chipset: Intel Z690
  • Form factor: ATX

ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

8.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

8.4

Technical Score

10.0%

8.5

User score

Excellent
8.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

8.7

Memory

16.0%

9.2

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.4

Storage

15.0%

9.9

Network

13.0%

7.7

Ports & USB

8.0%

7.2

Expansion

8.0%

9.4

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.8

Audio

Excellent
8.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.3

User reviews

30.0%

9.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(222)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(104)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 8.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    8.8

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    7.8

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    7.8

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    10

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero is a high-end ATX motherboard featuring the Intel LGA 1700 socket for 12th and 13th Generation processors, built on a robust 20+1 power stage design with 90A stages to support extreme overclocking. Its technical arsenal includes four DDR5 slots supporting up to 192GB at 6400+ MHz, dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, and comprehensive storage with five M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0 via the included Hyper M.2 card) alongside six SATA 6Gb/s ports. Main characteristics include dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, WiFi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and premium SupremeFX ALC4082 audio with an ESS SABRE 9018Q2C DAC. Pros include user-friendly 'DIY' features like the PCIe Slot Q-Release button, M.2 Q-Latches, and extensive connectivity options for enthusiasts. Cons are its high price point and the limitation of hardwired networking to 2.5Gbps instead of higher-tier 10Gbps found on more expensive models.

Technical Specifications of ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

8.7

Memory

16.0%

9.2

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.4

Storage

15.0%

9.9

Network

13.0%

7.7

Ports & USB

8.0%

7.2

Expansion

8.0%

9.4

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.8

Audio

8.4
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a technical score of 8.44 points, which is higher than that of 88.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.3

User reviews

30.0%

9.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(222)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(104)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.5
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a user score of 8.52 points, which is higher than that of 74.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
9.1
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a popularity of 9.1 points, which is higher than 77.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

8.5

Overall score

40.0%

8.9

Price

8.6
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.6 points, which is higher than 88.2% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

Asus
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1700
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero uses the LGA 1700 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.7% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z690
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero uses the Intel Z690 chipset, which is more advanced than that of 68.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.8% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

ATX
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR5
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero uses DDR5 memory, which is newer than that of 64.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 35.3% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

192 GB
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero supports up to 192 GB of memory, which is more than 72.6% of motherboards and equal to 10.1% of motherboards.
requires BIOS update for full capacity
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

6,400 MT/s
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero supports memory speeds up to 6400 MT/s, which is higher than that of 72.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.3% of motherboards.
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

3
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.4% of motherboards and equal to 18.6% of motherboards.
plus 2 via included expansion card.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

?
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

6
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel VMD support
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N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

2
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 2 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 95.2% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
lane split supported
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

1
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.3% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

0
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.5% of motherboards and equal to 40.5% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

?
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
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Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

11
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 11 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 91.4% of motherboards and equal to 1.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

20
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 20 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 92.1% of motherboards and equal to 2.9% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

3
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 3 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 96.6% of motherboards and equal to 2.7% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

4
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 4 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 95.8% of motherboards and equal to 2.7% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
header only excluded.
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LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

2.5 Gbps
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero supports Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which is newer than that of 88.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.3% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC4082
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero uses the Realtek ALC4082 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 96.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.1% of motherboards.
with ESS DAC.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

120 dB
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

20+1
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 20+1 VRM phases, which is more than 94.7% of motherboards and equal to 0.2% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.2% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Multiple pump-capable headers.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

3 A
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 76.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.2% of motherboards.
AIO_PUMP 1A; W_PUMP 3A.
Show more

ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    lane split supported
    What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.2 vs 0
  • 5 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster USB-A ports for storage or accessories.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.6 vs 1
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: DDR5

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 3 more rear USB ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (11 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (11 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.11 vs 8
  • More VRM phases
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (20+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
    When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=12

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (20+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.20+1 vs 10
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
    What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
    When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151
  • 2 more rear USB-C ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.3 vs 1
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    plus 2 via included expansion card.
    What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.3 vs 2
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Includes onboard power button
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 50% more maximum memory capacity
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (192 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • 39.1% higher maximum RAM speed
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (6,400 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
  • 5 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 3 more rear USB ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (11 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 2 more rear USB-C ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 5 more total USB connections
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (20 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 3 more total USB-C connections
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
  • 2 more USB4 40Gbps ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more USB4 40Gbps ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 40Gbps port/s.
  • 2 more Thunderbolt 3 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more Thunderbolt 3 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 3 port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
  • 2 more Thunderbolt 4 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more Thunderbolt 4 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 4 port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 header/s.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4,082 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • More VRM phases
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (20+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 3 more fan headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    rear Type-A ports are Gen 2
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    rear Type-A ports are Gen 2
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more standard USB ports with faster transfer speeds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=4

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.0 vs 4
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    What it is: The number of DisplayPort video outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect compatible displays through the rear I/O.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.0 vs 1
  • 87.5% more expensive
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero is more expensive than the average motherboard (£300 vs £160).
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero is more expensive than the average motherboard (£300 vs £160).£300 vs £160
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of PS/2 ports on the motherboard rear I/O.
    When it matters: When you want support for older keyboards or mice.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe x1 slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want space for smaller add-in cards.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.0 vs 1
  • Older Bluetooth version
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    What it is: The supported Bluetooth version provided by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you care about compatibility with newer Bluetooth devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=5.2

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.5.2 vs 5.4
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.0 vs 1
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
222 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
104 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero?

  • Excellent power delivery with 20+1 power stages (90A) suitable for heavy overclocking
  • Innovative 'Q-Release' button for easy graphics card removal and 'Q-Latch' for screwless M.2 installation
  • Premium connectivity including dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, WiFi 6E, and three onboard M.2 slots
  • Robust thermal management with large VRM heatsinks and a heatpipe
  • Aesthetically pleasing 'Polymo Lighting' on the I/O shroud for customizable RGB effects
  • Support for both DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, providing future-proofing for next-gen hardware
  • Dual mounting holes that allow for compatibility with older LGA 1200 CPU coolers

What customers dislike about ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero?

  • High premium price tag compared to competitor boards with similar or better raw specs
  • Hardwired Ethernet is limited to 2.5Gbps, whereas some cheaper rivals offer 10Gbps
  • Reported manufacturing defect in early batches where a reversed capacitor could cause a fire hazard
  • The ROG Hyper M.2 expansion card can limit the primary PCIe slot's bandwidth when used
  • Software/driver issues occasionally reported with the Realtek ALC4082 audio codec sampling rates
  • BIOS layout can be cluttered, with some important overclocking settings buried in sub-menus

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