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ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£460CPU socket:LGA 1851Chipset:Intel Z890Form factor:ATX

ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

8.6

Overall score

Score
8.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 87% of models
Score components

90%

8.7

Technical Score

10%

7.4

User score

â–²Better than 87% of motherboards
8.7

Technical Score

Technical score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components

19%

6.2

Memory

16%

9.8

Platform & Features

16%

9.6

Storage

15%

9.2

Network

13%

9.5

Ports & USB

8%

7.1

Expansion

8%

9.5

Power & Cooling

5%

9.4

Audio

â–²Better than 89% of motherboards
7.4

User score

User score
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User reviews

30%

5.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(25)
amazon
4.0
(21)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(25)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(21)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

â–¼Worse than 84% of motherboards
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Verdict

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex is a high-performance ATX motherboard built for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors on the LGA 1851 socket, specifically engineered for record-breaking overclocking. It features a robust 22+1+2+2 power stage design (110A each) and a unique two-slot DDR5 layout that supports extreme memory speeds exceeding 9600 MT/s. Connectivity is top-tier with Wi-Fi 7, 5Gb Ethernet, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a total of six M.2 slots (three PCIe 5.0 ready). Main pros include its unmatched memory overclocking potential, comprehensive 'EZ DIY' features like PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim, and a striking cobble-gray aesthetic. However, its high premium price, limitation to only two RAM slots, and bandwidth sharing between some M.2 slots and the primary PCIe x16 slot are notable drawbacks.

Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex

Technical Score
Technical score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components:

19%

6.2

Memory

16%

9.8

Platform & Features

16%

9.6

Storage

15%

9.2

Network

13%

9.5

Ports & USB

8%

7.1

Expansion

8%

9.5

Power & Cooling

5%

9.4

Audio

8.7
ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex has a technical score of 8.7 points, which is higher than that of 88.6% of products in this category.
User score
User score
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User reviews

30%

5.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(25)
amazon
4.0
(21)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(25)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(21)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.4
ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex has a user score of 7.38 points, which is lower than that of 83.6% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
5.9/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Popularity:
ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex has a popularity score of 5.9 points, which is lower than that of 53.9% of products in this category.
5.9
ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex has a popularity score of 5.9 points, which is lower than that of 53.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
8.4/ 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–² Better than 77% of models
Score components:

60%

8.6

Overall score

40%

8.1

Price

8.4
ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex has a value-for-money score of 8.4 points, which is higher than that of 76.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
Asus
CPU socket
LGA 1851
CPU socket
LGA 1851
â–² Better than 78% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1851 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 77.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.1% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
CPU platform
Intel
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel Z890
Chipset
Intel Z890
★ Better than 95% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel Z890 chipset, which is more advanced than that of 94.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.8% of motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Form factor
ATX
â–² Better than 48% of models
This motherboard 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
DDR5
DDR memory version
DDR5
â–² Better than 64% of models
This motherboard uses DDR5 memory, which is newer than that of 64.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 35.7% of motherboards.
Memory slots
2
Memory slots
2
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.6% of motherboards and equal to 21.4% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
9,600 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
9,600 MT/s
★ Better than 99% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 9,600 MT/s, which is higher than that of 99.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.5% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
6
N. of M.2 sockets
6
★ Better than 99% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 6 M.2 sockets, which is more than 99.1% of motherboards and equal to 0.7% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 2x PCIe 5.0 x4
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 2x PCIe 5.0 x4
★ Better than 95% of models
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 5.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 95.1% of motherboards.
bundled card slots excluded.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 5.6% of motherboards and equal to 46.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
2
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
2
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard 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
0
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
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
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
This motherboard uses x16 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 81% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.1% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8, x8/x4/x4.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
11
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
11
★ Better than 91% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 11 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 91% of motherboards and equal to 1.6% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
21
Total USB ports (including headers)
21
★ Better than 94% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 21 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 94.3% of motherboards and equal to 2.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
3
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
3
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 3 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 96.6% of motherboards and equal to 2.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
5
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
5
★ Better than 98% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 5 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 98.4% of motherboards and equal to 1.2% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 18% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
5 Gbps
LAN speed
5 Gbps
★ Better than 91% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 90.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 5% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer + Intel + Realtek
LAN controller
Killer + Intel + Realtek
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
This motherboard uses the Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 64.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 28.7% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
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
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
â–² Better than 89% of models
This motherboard 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
Realtek ALC4080
Audio codec
Realtek ALC4080
★ Better than 90% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 90.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.5% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
full 7.1 needs front panel audio.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Audio SNR
120 dB
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 56% of motherboards and equal to that of 40.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
Headphone amp support
yes
â–² Better than 41% of models
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on front panel.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
2
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
2
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 2 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 88.6% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
22+1+2+2
VRM phases
22+1+2+2
★ Better than 99% of models
This motherboard has 22+1+2+2 VRM phases, which is more than 98.6% of motherboards and equal to 0.1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
N. of CPU power connectors
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
9
N. of fan headers
9
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 9 fan headers, which is more than 97.3% of motherboards and equal to 0.5% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
3 A
Pump header max current
3 A
â–² Better than 78% of models
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 22.1% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 4 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    6
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (6 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    6 vs 2
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1851
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1851 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,851 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    2
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR5
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This motherboard 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
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    11
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (11 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    11 vs 8
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    4
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    4 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    22+1+2+2
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (22+1+2+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    22+1+2+2 vs 10
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1851
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1851 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,851 vs LGA 1,151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    Dual BIOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 23% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Better motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z890
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    This motherboard has better motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z890 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z890 vs Intel B860
  • Includes onboard power button
    Onboard power button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    Onboard reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR5
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This motherboard has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 2.03x higher maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    9,600 MT/s
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (9600 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    9,600 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 94.6% higher overclocked RAM speed
    Maximum overclocked RAM speed
    9,600 MT/s
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <2.7k MT/s – >8.2k MT/s
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (9600 MT/s vs 4933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4933 MT/s.
    9,600 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s
  • 4 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    6
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (6 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    6 vs 2
  • Faster M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 2x PCIe 5.0 x4
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    This motherboard has faster M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 5x4, 1x PCIe 4x4, 2x PCIe 5x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    bundled card slots excluded.
    1x PCIe 5.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 5.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    2
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
    N. of PCIe x4 slots
    2
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
  • 3 more rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    11
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (11 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    11 vs 8
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    4
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    3
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard 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
  • 6 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    21
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (21 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    21 vs 15
  • 4 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    5
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    includes internal USB-C header.
    5 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    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
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 headers (USB-C)
    2
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    N. of USB4 / Thunderbolt headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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 Gen2x2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard 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.
    1 vs 0
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 2x higher LAN speed
    LAN speed
    5 Gbps
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard 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.
    5 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC4080
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    120 dB
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    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
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    22+1+2+2
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (22+1+2+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    22+1+2+2 vs 10
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    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
  • 3.5 more fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    9
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (9 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    9 vs 5.5
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    3
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    Pump header max current
    3 A
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 A – >3 A
    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
    Memory slots
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <2 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    2 vs 5
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 2.88x more expensive
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex is more expensive than the average motherboard (£460 vs £160).
    £460 vs £160
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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 HDMI outputs
    N. of HDMI outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 2.88x more expensive
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex is more expensive than the average motherboard (£460 vs £160).
    £460 vs £160
  • 8.3% lower user score
    User score
    7.4/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex
    the average motherboard
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex has a lower user score than the average motherboard (7.38 vs 8.000).
    7.38 vs 8
  • No TPM connector
    TPM connector
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This motherboard does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 88% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
    Firmware TPM/PTT only.
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    Memory slots
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <2 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    N. of HDMI outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    USB 2 is internal only
    0 vs 2
  • 3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    2 vs 5
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1

Graphic comparison of ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
25 Reviews
amazon
4.0
21 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
25 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
21 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex?

  • Exceptional memory overclocking potential, supporting DDR5 speeds of 9000+ MT/s and even reaching world records over 12,000 MT/s.
  • Robust 22+1+2+2 power stage design providing stable and efficient power delivery for high-end CPUs.
  • Sleek and attractive 'cobble gray' and silver aesthetic with a white PCB, ideal for themed builds.
  • Comprehensive connectivity including Wi-Fi 7, 5Gb Ethernet, and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports.
  • Improved quality-of-life features such as M.2 Q-Release, PCIe Q-Release Slim, and tool-less M.2 Q-Latch systems.
  • Extensive storage options with up to six M.2 slots, three of which support PCIe 5.0.
  • Excellent BIOS support with mature firmware and granular tuning options like DIMM Fit and AI Overclocking.

What customers dislike about ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex?

  • High price point (MSRP ~ $719 - $720), making it a premium investment.
  • Limited to only two RAM slots to optimize signal integrity for overclocking, which limits total memory capacity compared to four-slot boards.
  • Considered 'overkill' for average users or non-overclockers who won't utilize its extreme tuning features.
  • Proprietary ROG DIMM.2 card for additional storage does not support PCIe 5.0 drives.
  • Populating specific M.2 slots can reduce the primary PCIe x16 graphics card slot to x8 lanes.

Video reviews

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

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