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ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£740
  • Avg. price in US: ~$530
  • CPU socket: LGA 1700
  • Chipset: Intel Z790
  • Form factor: ATX

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

8.9

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%

9.0

Technical Score

10.0%

8.3

User score

Excellent
9.0

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%

8.9

Memory

16.0%

9.3

Platform & Features

16.0%

9.1

Storage

15.0%

9.9

Network

13.0%

8.4

Ports & USB

8.0%

6.8

Expansion

8.0%

9.4

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.8

Audio

Exceptional
8.3

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%

8.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(189)
amazon
4.2
(63)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(66)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 9.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.1

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    10

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    10

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    10

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best prices in UK

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 Z790 Formula is a premium ATX motherboard tailored for enthusiasts and custom liquid cooling, featuring a signature Moonlight White aesthetic and a HybridChill VRM cooling block compatible with G1/4" fittings. It is equipped with a robust 20+1+2 power stage architecture (105A each) to support 14th Gen Intel processors and offers four DDR5 slots supporting speeds up to 8000+ MT/s and 192GB capacity. Key connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, 5Gb Ethernet, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and five M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0). Pros include its exceptional power delivery, advanced networking, and unique 2-inch LiveDash OLED for real-time system monitoring. However, its high price point and the niche requirement of a custom loop to fully utilize the VRM cooling are notable drawbacks.

Technical Specifications of ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula

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%

8.9

Memory

16.0%

9.3

Platform & Features

16.0%

9.1

Storage

15.0%

9.9

Network

13.0%

8.4

Ports & USB

8.0%

6.8

Expansion

8.0%

9.4

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.8

Audio

9.0
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has a technical score of 8.99 points, which is higher than that of 97.7% 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%

8.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(189)
amazon
4.2
(63)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(66)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.3
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has a user score of 8.27 points, which is higher than that of 71.5% 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.
8.1
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has a popularity of 8.1 points, which is higher than 74% 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%

8.9

Overall score

40.0%

6.6

Price

8.2
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.2 points, which is higher than 76.3% 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula uses the Intel Z790 chipset, which is more advanced than that of 77.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.5% 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 Z790 Formula 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.
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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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula supports up to 192 GB of memory, which is more than 72.6% of motherboards and equal to 10.1% of motherboards.
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 Z790 Formula 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

8,000 MT/s
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula supports memory speeds up to 8000 MT/s, which is higher than that of 85% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.6% 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

5
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has 5 M.2 sockets, which is more than 94.7% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
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

1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 4x PCIe 4.0 x4
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula offers 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 4x PCIe 4.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 97.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.9% of motherboards.
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

4
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 5.6% of motherboards and equal to 46.3% 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST 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 Z790 Formula has 2 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 95.2% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
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 Z790 Formula has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.3% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
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 Z790 Formula 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

x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 56.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.7% of motherboards.
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 Z790 Formula supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8, x8/x4/x4.
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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

12
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has 12 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 93% of motherboards and equal to 5.5% 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

21
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has 21 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 95% of motherboards and equal to 2.7% 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula has 4 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 95.8% of motherboards and equal to 2.7% of motherboards.
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 Z790 Formula has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
Show more
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

5 Gbps
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula supports LAN speeds up to 5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 90.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on rear port.
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 Z790 Formula 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+2
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has 20+1+2 VRM phases, which is more than 96.7% of motherboards and equal to 0.5% 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 Z790 Formula 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

7
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has 7 fan headers, which is more than 72.7% of motherboards and equal to 9.5% 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 Z790 Formula has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
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 Z790 Formula 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.
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ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula vs the average motherboard

  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    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 Z790 Formula 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
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    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 Z790 Formula 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 rear USB ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 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 Z790 Formula has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.12 vs 8
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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.
    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 Z790 Formula 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 VRM phases
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (20+1+2 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 Z790 Formula has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (20+1+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.20+1+2 vs 10
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (192 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • 73.9% higher maximum RAM speed
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (8,000 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 62.2% higher overclocked RAM speed
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (8,000 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • Faster M.2 slot interfaces
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has faster M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 5.0x4, 4x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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 x4 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 4 more rear USB ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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.
  • 2 more rear USB-C ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 6 more total USB connections
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (21 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
  • 3 more total USB-C connections
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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.
  • 2x higher LAN speed
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (5 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (20+1+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 2 more fan headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No TPM connector
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.0 vs 1
  • 4.63x more expensive
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula is more expensive than the average motherboard (£740 vs £160).
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula is more expensive than the average motherboard (£740 vs £160).£740 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 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 Z790 Formula has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.0 vs 1
  • No TPM connector
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard has a header for connecting a separate TPM module.
    When it matters: When you want hardware TPM support through an add-on module.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula 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 Z790 Formula 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
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 2.0 ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many basic USB peripherals.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.0 vs 2
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Expansion
Ports & USB

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
189 Reviews
amazon
4.2
63 Reviews
United States
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4.1
66 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula?

  • Striking Moonlight White aesthetic with premium build materials
  • Unique HybridChill VRM cooling system optimized for custom water loops
  • Extensive connectivity including Wi-Fi 7, 5Gb Ethernet, and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
  • Generous storage options with 5 M.2 slots (including one PCIe 5.0)
  • High-end DDR5 support reaching speeds over 8000 MT/s with DIMM Flex technology
  • User-friendly DIY features like PCIe Slot Q-Release and M.2 Q-Latch
  • Integrated 2-inch LiveDash OLED screen for system telemetry and personalization

What customers dislike about ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Formula?

  • Extremely high price point compared to other Z790 motherboards
  • Overkill for users who do not plan on utilizing custom water cooling
  • Default power settings can lead to very high CPU temperatures and overvolting concerns
  • Limited to 4 SATA ports, which may be restrictive for legacy storage users
  • Reported instability (QCode 55) when attempting to run 4 sticks of high-speed RAM

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