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ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£400
Avg. price in US: ~$340
CPU socket: LGA 1700
Chipset: Intel Z790
Form factor: ATX

ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

8.8

Excellent

8.8

Excellent

9.2

Exceptional

9.3
Gaming
Score components:
28.0%
7.6
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

Best prices in UK

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Best rankings

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi II is a high-performance ATX motherboard designed for Intel 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors on the LGA 1700 socket. It features a robust 16+1+2 power stage VRM (70A) with silver heatsinks, supporting DDR5 memory at speeds exceeding 8000+ MT/s and a maximum capacity of 192GB. Key characteristics include WiFi 7 connectivity with a quick-release Q-Antenna, a primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, and five M.2 slots (all PCIe 4.0). Its strengths lie in a DIY-friendly design featuring Q-Release and M.2 Q-Latch, along with extensive rear I/O including 12 USB ports (two USB-C 20Gbps, one with 30W PD). However, it lacks a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and uses a 5.1-channel ALC4080 audio codec, which may be a downgrade for users seeking 7.1 surround sound or the fastest available Gen 5 storage speeds.

Technical Specifications of ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II

Overall score

8.8

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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.

Platform & Features

8.8

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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

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

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

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Memory

8.9

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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

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

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

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

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

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Storage

8.8

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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

M.2 slot interface per slot

What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

N. of SATA 3 connectors

What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

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

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

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Expansion

7.1

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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

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

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

PCIe slot electrical configuration

What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.

When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

PCIe bifurcation support

What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.

When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Ports & USB

8.2

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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

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

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

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

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

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Network

9.9

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LAN speed

What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

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

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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

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

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)

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Audio

9.3

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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

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

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

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

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

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Power & Cooling

8.9

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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

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

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

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

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

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ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II vs the average motherboard

Why is ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II better than the average motherboard?

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3 more M.2 sockets
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.5 vs 2
4 more rear USB ports
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR5 vs DDR4
1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.1 vs 0
1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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.
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
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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
Newer CPU socket
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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
1 more rear USB-C ports
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.2 vs 1
Integrated I/O shield
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
What it is: Shows whether the rear I/O shield comes pre-mounted on the motherboard instead of being installed separately.
When it matters: When you want an easier motherboard installation process.
Importance: LOW
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
Newer CPU socket
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
Rear-panel CMOS reset button
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
Newer DDR memory generation
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
More flexible PCIe lane configuration
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x16 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
4 more rear USB ports
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 more rear USB-C ports
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
4 more total USB connections
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (19 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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.
1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
2 more total USB-C connections
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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.
1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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.
2 more USB 2.0 ports
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
Supports Wi-Fi
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
Supports Bluetooth
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
Better audio codec
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4,080 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
5 dB higher audio SNR
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
1 more CPU power connectors
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
More VRM phases
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
3 more fan headers
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
1 more ARGB headers
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.

Platform & Features

Power & Cooling

Why is ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II worse than the average motherboard?

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More basic motherboard chipset
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
Slower M.2 slot interfaces
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (4x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA 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.
1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
runs at x4 mode
1 fewer PS/2 ports
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
61 mm wider
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II is wider than the average motherboard (305 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
1 A lower pump header current limit
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (1 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 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
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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
2.5x more expensive
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II is more expensive than the average motherboard (£400 vs £160).
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II is more expensive than the average motherboard (£400 vs £160).£400 vs £160
More basic motherboard chipset
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.0 vs 1
Slower M.2 slot interfaces
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (4x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA 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.
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
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (4x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA 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.4x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
61 mm wider
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II is wider than the average motherboard (305 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
What it is: The physical width of the motherboard.
When it matters: When you check case fit or compare board size.
Importance: LOW
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II is wider than the average motherboard (305 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.305 mm vs 244 mm
1 A lower pump header current limit
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (1 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
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
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (1 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.1 A vs 2 A
1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
runs at x4 mode
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 Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II 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

Platform & Features

Power & Cooling

Graphic comparison of ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

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United States

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II?

Native 14th Gen Intel support and high-speed Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
Excellent storage options with five M.2 slots and four SATA ports
Sleek and attractive white/silver design ideal for themed builds
DIY-friendly features like Q-Release for GPUs and Q-Latch for M.2 drives
Robust power delivery (16+1+2 stages) that stays cool even under heavy loads
Extensive rear I/O including 12 USB ports and a 20Gbps Type-C port
Highly efficient power consumption across different types of workloads

What customers dislike about ASUS ROG Strix Z790 A Gaming WiFi II?

M.2 slots are limited to PCIe 4.0, lacking a PCIe 5.0 M.2 socket found on some competitors
Premium price point compared to some other midrange Z790 options
Memory stability can be finicky at very high speeds (8000+ MT/s) without careful QVL matching
Occasional reports of minor hardware quality issues, such as early RGB failures
Armoury Crate software can feel clunky and fragmented to some users

Video reviews

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