OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£680CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z790Form factor:ATX

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 4 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore
7.9/10

Overall score

Score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 84% of models
Score components

40%

7.9

Technical score

20%

8.5

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

7.5

Sentiment score

10%

7.9

User score

â–²Better than 84% of motherboards
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

6.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 61%
7.9

Technical score

Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components

19%

5.5

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform

16%

8.7

Storage

15%

8.7

Network

13%

7.9

Ports

8%

5.5

Expansion

8%

9.7

Power & Cooling

5%

9.7

Audio

â–²Better than 83%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

8.3

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–²Better than 68%
7.9

User score

User score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models

7.9

Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.1

Rating

30%

7.7

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 57%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore

Based on 29 owners sharing their experience in online comments

41%positive0%mixed59%negative

Owners appreciate its tuning potential and strong performance, but recurring crashes, BIOS problems, and setup frustration dominate.

What owners dislike

  • Owners still saw crashes in games and OCCT stress tests, WHEA errors and segmentation faults at Load-Line level 6 and small undervolts.7
  • Owners saw lower benchmark scores after newer BIOS and microcode updates, some falling from 42,000 to 37,000 points, plus segmentation faults on microcode 129.5
  • Owners who wanted manual control had to roll back to an older BIOS and microcode, and some offsets seemed to do nothing.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore

Technical score
Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components:

19%

5.5

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform

16%

8.7

Storage

15%

8.7

Network

13%

7.9

Ports

8%

5.5

Expansion

8%

9.7

Power & Cooling

5%

9.7

Audio

7.9
Reviews score
8.5
User score
7.9
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components:

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

6.9

Price

7.6
CPU socket
LGA 1700
This motherboard uses LGA 1700, which is more up-to-date than 54.7% of Motherboards and the same as 22.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z790
This motherboard uses Intel Z790, which is more capable than 77% of Motherboards and as capable as 6.3% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
no
This motherboard does not support integrated graphics. 89.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5
This motherboard uses DDR5, which is more modern than 63.8% of Motherboards and the same as 36.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.1% of motherboards and equal to 21.8% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
96 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 96 GB of memory, which is less than 59.9% of motherboards and equal to 3% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
5,600 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 5,600 MT/s, which is higher than that of 68.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.7% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
5
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 5 M.2 sockets, which is more than 94.8% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
?
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 6.1% of motherboards and equal to 46.8% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
2
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 95.1% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, which is more generous than 62.6% of Motherboards and the same as 12.4% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.7% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
19
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 19 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 33% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 82.1% of motherboards and equal to 17.7% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
LAN controller
?
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which is newer than 88.2% of Motherboards and the same as 11.8% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC4080
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC4080, which is higher-end than 90.4% of Motherboards and the same as 6.4% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on front panel.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
24+2
This motherboard has 24+2 VRM phases, which is more than 98.5% of motherboards and equal to 0.1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
10
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 10 fan headers, which is more than 97.9% of motherboards and equal to 1.5% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
3 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.2% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    5 vs 2
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard 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
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    5 vs 1
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (24+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    24+2 vs 10
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 16.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 68% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.5 vs 7.3
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    Q-Code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 68% higher overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (8,400 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    8,400 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 19.2% higher maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (5,600 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    5,600 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    5 vs 2
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard 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
  • 2 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    5 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 4 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (19 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    19 vs 15
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard 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.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard 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.
    Gen 2x2 Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (24+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    24+2 vs 10
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 4.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (10 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    10 vs 5.5
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    This motherboard has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    This motherboard 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.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • No integrated graphics support
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • 25% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (96 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    96 GB vs 128 GB
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 4.53x more expensive
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore is more expensive than the average motherboard (£680 vs £150).
    £680 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 4.53x more expensive
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore is more expensive than the average motherboard (£680 vs £150).
    £680 vs £150
  • No integrated graphics support
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 25% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (96 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    96 GB vs 128 GB
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
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  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
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Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Actually Hardcore Overclocking
≈ estimated
29/08/2024
Hands-on test · BIOS microcode and load line checks
Verdict
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore's 129 microcode works as intended, so updating is recommended despite some efficiency loss.
9.0
GLITCHED
≈ estimated
17/10/2023
Hands-on benchmark · CPU power, thermal and clock tests
Verdict
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore and its cooler handle the 14900K well, making it a strong pairing.
Shop video
Overview video
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
26/04/2024
Review · Premium overclocking board
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore is a capable overclocking board, but cheaper boards suit anyone not pushing extreme limits.
9.5
es.gamegpu.com
≈ estimated
19/01/2024
Review · Build and overclocking
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore is an enthusiast overclocking board that ran a DDR5 kit at 7800 MHz without trouble.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore

  • Industry-leading DDR5 memory overclocking, often reaching 8000MHz+ easily
  • Excellent for extreme sub-zero (LN2) cooling with dedicated BIOS features
  • Modern connectivity including Wi-Fi 7 and 60W USB-C front-panel fast charging
  • Premium build quality and aesthetic with an all-black design
  • Robust power delivery (VRM) capable of handling 14th Gen Intel i9 processors under heavy load
  • Helpful overclocking-specific hardware like the DIMM.2 module and memory fan kit

What customers don't like about ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore

  • High price point that is difficult to justify for non-overclockers
  • Only two DIMM slots, limiting total RAM capacity and future expansion
  • Lack of integrated GPU (iGPU) support, which can hinder troubleshooting if the dedicated graphics card fails
  • Missing some high-end aesthetic features like extensive RGB or a backplate
  • Reported software issues with ASUS GameFirst and certain audio driver compatibilities

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore is an enthusiast-grade ATX motherboard designed for extreme overclocking, featuring a robust 24+0+2 power stage VRM (105A each) and support for Intel 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors. Its specialized 2-DIMM slot layout enables extreme DDR5 memory speeds exceeding 8400+ MT/s, further aided by the included ROG Memory Fan Kit and DIMM Flex technology. Key characteristics include PCIe 5.0 support for both the primary x16 slots and an onboard M.2 slot, alongside modern connectivity like Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 2.5Gb Ethernet port. Main pros include its record-breaking overclocking potential, comprehensive thermal management with massive heatsinks, and DIY-friendly features like PCIe Slot Q-Release and BIOS FlashBack. However, its focus on performance leads to notable cons, such as being limited to only two RAM slots which restricts total capacity to 96GB, and its premium pricing tailored strictly for the hardcore enthusiast market.

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