Overview
Rules are made to be broken. Smashing the conventions of what a mini-ITX motherboard can do, the ROG Strix Z790-I's power delivery rivals that of full-scale titans and its stacked thermal array is more than a match for multi-core behemoths. It also expands the boundaries of connectivity, with the innovative ROG Hive, a hybrid audio and USB hub with an added twist - an AI Overclocking button makes tuning so easy, it feels like cheating.
  • All-round performance
  • AI Overclocking
  • PCIe 5.0
  • DDR5 domination
  • VRM cooling array
  • M.2 heatsink stack
  • 4-pin fan headers
  • Excellent connectivity
  • ROG Strix Hive
  • ROG FPS-II card
  • Two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports
  • Wi-Fi 6E
  • Intel 2.5G Ethernet
  • Play in style
All-round performance Throughout its compact frame, the Strix Z790-I teems with engineering tweaks that boost CPU and memory performance and lay a potent foundation for full-size SSDs and graphics cards. AI Overclocking ASUS AI Overclocking profiles the CPU and cooling to predict the optimal configuration and push the system to its limits. Predicted values can be engaged automatically or used as a launching ground for further experimentation. PCIe 5.0 The ROG Strix Z790-I offers end-to-end PCIe 5.0 support with a unique twist. Both the x16 expansion slot and one of the onboard M.2 slots are Gen 5-ready, but that M.2 slot has additional PCIe 4.0 routing to the chipset. DDR5 domination ROG has a long legacy of flexing the fastest memory performance, and DDR5 is no outlier. Thanks to improved signal routing, enthusiast-grade kits have been driven far beyond the 7 GT/s mark on the Strix Z790-I, and who knows how far future DIMMs can go? Seasoned veterans can test their mettle by tinkering with the extensive array of tuning options in the UEFI. VRM cooling array Substantial heatsinks cover the power solution, bolstered by a quiet thermal system that intakes from the core and outputs heat upwards through a ventilated top, so the VRM stays cool even in air-restricted systems. M.2 heatsink stack Onboard M.2 slots are sandwiched between thick heatsinks over the chipset in a clever space-saving arrangement. Thermal efficiency is ensured by a miniature active cooling solution so high-performance drives maintain peak performance. 4-pin fan headers The Strix Z790-I features a chassis fan header that auto-detects any PWM or DC fan connected to it. Excellent connectivity The ATX experience thoughtfully scaled into mini-ITX: grace your desktop with the ROG Strix Hive for superb audio and control, build easier with the ROG FPS-II card, and make faster connections with the Thunderbolt and Wi-Fi support. ROG Strix Hive The ROG Strix Hive brings critical controls and I/O within arm's reach, moving them from the cramped quarters of an SFF chassis to a compact peripheral that sits on the desktop. DIY-friendly buttons and diagnostic LEDs are brought front and center along with a large volume dial. On the sides, a varied group of I/O ports handle audio input and output and provide convenient connectivity for grab-and-go peripherals. ROG FPS-II card The ROG FPS-II card groups I/O onto a vertically mounted card, saving valuable onboard space and tidying cable management. Connections can be made before the card is installed, greatly simplifying installation in cramped quarters. Two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports Each port delivers up to 40 Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth for super-speed devices and drives. Both ports can be employed for up to two external 4K displays, and PCIe bandwidth extends to up to 32 Gbps. Wi-Fi 6E Onboard Wi-Fi 6E technology takes advantage of the 6 GHz band to provide up to seven 160 MHz channels for ultrafast throughput and better performance in dense wireless environments. Intel 2.5G Ethernet Low-latency gaming, speedy file transfers, and high-resolution video streaming are among the many perks of onboard Intel 2.5 Gbps Ethernet. Play in style The black shrouds and gentle accents of the Strix Z790-I make it a solid foundation for nearly any rig.