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
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
Tuning is now faster and smarter than ever before. 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.
This allows the user to choose how to prioritize their throughput: if the M.2 slot is in Gen 5 mode, it can scale up to 16 GB/s read and write speeds. If the M.2 slot uses PCIe 4.0, all of the Gen 5 bandwidth is allocated to the expansion slot for unfettered graphics card performance.
POWER ARCHITECTURE
10 + 1 power stages each rated to 105A deliver ample current to drive the most powerful Intel 13th Gen processors through any workload with ease.
ALLOY CHOKES AND DURABLE CAPACITORS
Hi-end chokes and durable capacitors are engineered to resist extreme temperatures, enabling performance that exceeds industry standards.
8-PIN PROCOOL II POWER CONNECTOR
A ProCool II connector is precision-built to ensure flush contact with PSU power lines. A metal sheath improves heat dissipation and lowers electrical impedance.
TEN-LAYER PCB
A multi-layered printed circuit board design quickly dissipates heat around the voltage regulators to improve overall system stability and provide the CPU with more overclocking headroom.
DDR5 DOMINATION
ROG has a long legacy of flexing the fastest memory performance, and DDR5 is no outlier. Thanks to improved signal routing, now 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.
AEMP II
ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile (AEMP) is an exclusive hardware and firmware solution to overclock generic memory modules. AEMP’s second version allows for automatic tuning of kits during system startup and leverages the PCB trace optimizations of the Strix Z790-I to push frequencies higher than ever before. AEMP II can even overclock mixed kits in a quad-DIMM arrangement, and the vast library of support now extends to nearly every DDR5 module that does not otherwise have XMP support.
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
On-board 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.
CPU FAN HEADER
Positioned near the top of the motherboard, a PWM/DC fan header gives easy access for CPU coolers.
AIO PUMP FAN HEADER
A dedicated PWM/DC header connects self-contained water-cooling setups.
4-PIN FAN HEADERS
The Strix Z790-I features a chassis fan header that auto-detects any PWM or DC fan connected to it.
LEADING 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 latest Thunderbolt and WiFi support.
ROG STRIX HIVE
The all-new 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 on-board space and tidying cable management. Connections can be made before the card is installed, greatly simplifying installation in cramped quarters. On board are two SATA ports, front panel headers, two USB 2.0 headers (allowing for up to three USB 2.0 connections), a CPU_OV jumper for extreme overclocking, and an Alteration mode switch.
TWO THUNDERBOLT 4 TYPE-C® PORTS
Each port delivers up to 40 Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth for the latest 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.
WIFI 6E
Onboard WiFi 6E technology takes advantage of newly available spectrum in the 6 GHz band to provide up to seven 160 MHz channels for ultrafast throughput and better performance in dense wireless environments.
*WiFi 6E availability and features are dependent on regulatory limitations and co-existence with 5 GHz WiFi.
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, especially when coordinated with the vast range of offerings in the ROG ecosystem.
UNDENIABLY ROG STRIX
Linear vents and subtle grid-like textures give the Strix Z790-I a stealthy form that blends in the shadows of most SFF builds. But if a little lighting hits the side of its M.2 shroud, its true colors show in the form of a prismatic sheen glinting off of the highly-reflective aluminum that outlines the embossed ROG logo.
COOLER COMPATIBILITY
The ROG Strix Z790-I bears the same LGA 1700 socket as the Z690 models, so it is backward compatible with all coolers that supported the previous generation, including all AIO offerings from ASUS and ROG.
THE ROG STRIX ECOSYSTEM AWAITS
Level up your game with ROG Strix. Enjoy complementary aesthetics, control, and compatibility across AIO coolers, cases, peripherals, and much more. ROG offers more choices than any other brand.
SOFTWARE UTILITIES
ROG-exclusive software delivers intuitive audio tuning and gaming enhancements so you can configure your gaming build the way you want.
AI COOLING II
Balance the thermals and acoustics of any build with a single click. A proprietary ASUS algorithm slashes unnecessary noise while running a quick stress test, and then monitors CPU temperatures to dynamically adjust fans to optimal speeds.
TWO-WAY AI NOISE CANCELATION
This utility leverages a massive deep-learning database to reduce over 5 million types of background noise from incoming or outgoing audio, helping ensure crystal-clear communication in games or calls.
AI NETWORKING
GameFirst VI optimizes networking performance by allocating bandwidth in real time based on application usage scenarios and corresponding learning algorithms. The latest update includes dedicated support for GeForce NOW to ensure the lowest latency possible during intense game streaming sessions.
The renowned ROG UEFI (BIOS) provides everything you need to configure, tweak, and tune your rig. It offers intelligently simplified options for newcomers to PC DIY, as well as more comprehensive features for seasoned veterans.
MEMTEST86
For diagnostic convenience, MemTest86 has been pre-installed into the ROG UEFI. Run the test to pinpoint memory issues without the need to start up the OS or attach a USB drive. Memory test results are stored in the BIOS archives for later reference.
Intuitive Graphical Fan Controls
Fine-tune individual fans simply by dragging a curve with the mouse.
Storage Information
View SATA port details for easy device recognition.
Clock Adjustment
Click on the settings icon to quickly change time and date settings.
The dashboard-style control panel of AI Suite 3 lets you fine-tune your system with ease. Get the best balance between performance, cooling, stability, and efficiency via simple and intuitive interfaces.
The TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) is an intelligent onboard micro-controller that provides an array of system-tuning features, including the ability to fine-tune voltages, monitor system stats and adjust overclocking parameters.
The Digi+ voltage-regulator module (VRM) delivers real-time control over voltage droop, switching frequency and power-efficiency settings, allowing you to fine-tune CPU voltage regulation for ultimate stability and performance.
Modern processors feature per-core tuning, and the ASUS Turbo app makes use of this feature by letting you assign applications to specific processor cores, prioritizing computing power where it's needed most.
Sonic Studio supports HRTF-based (head-related transfer function*) virtual surround for headsets, casting an immersive aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action. The intuitive Sonic Studio interface also offers a range of EQ options and one-click presets, allowing you to tailor acoustics to suit personal preferences or the characteristics of your headset.
SONIC STUDIO LINK
Easily apply Sonic Studio effects on all playback devices. Simply press the Sonic Studio Link button to enjoy the effect on any playback device.
SONIC STUDIO VIRTUAL MIXER
Combine audio output from selected apps with audio from the microphone input and stream the compiled mix.
APP-SPECIFIC PROFILES
Apply customized audio settings to different applications, so everything you do is perfectly tuned to the way you want to listen.
Through the pre-loaded DTS® Sound Unbound™ app, the ROG Strix Z790-I envelops you in rich audio, conjuring whole new levels of immersion for extraordinary gaming and entertainment experiences. By exploiting Microsoft spatial sound technology, DTS Sound Unbound creates an audial 3D space — putting you right in the middle of the soundscape, where you can sense the location and direction of every gunshot, footstep, or other sound in your virtual environment.
* DTS Sound Unbound requires in-game support. Check with developers for supported titles.
STEREO SOUND
Discrete left and right audio channels enable headphone or two-speaker setups.
SURROUND SOUND
Audio is split and served over multiple speaker channels – e.g., 5.1 or 7.1 – to create an enveloping experience on a single, logical plane.
SPATIAL SOUND
A virtual 360-degree soundscape immerses you in a realistic sonic experience.
The ROG Strix Z790-I includes a sixty-day AIDA64 Extreme subscription, a tool that provides detailed information about hardware and software, as well as benchmarks to measure the performance of the entire system or individual components. AIDA64 Extreme includes a monitoring and diagnostics feature to detect and prevent hardware issues. All vital system sensors can be tracked in real time, allowing voltage readings, fan speeds, and temperature information to be displayed on the desktop or sent to dedicated displays or to the LCD panels of ROG AIO liquid coolers*.
*Support available for ROG Ryujin II and later models.
Armoury Crate is a software utility designed to give you centralized control of supported gaming products, making it easy to tune the look and feel of your system. From a single intuitive interface, Armoury Crate helps you customize RGB lighting and effects for compatible devices and synchronize them with Aura Sync to create a unified lighting scheme across your system. In addition, Armoury Crate’s Fan Xpert4 tool provides comprehensive control over fans, water pumps, and all-in-one (AIO) coolers.
You can use Armoury Crate to download drivers, tools, and user manuals, and to register products. It also taps into a special news feed that connects you to the global ASUS gaming community.
* Windows 10 or 11 required for full Aura Sync functionality within Armoury Crate. For Windows 8 and earlier versions, standalone Aura Sync software is available for free download from the product support site.
