The ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO BTF is a high-end ATX motherboard designed for performance-focused desktop systems using compatible Intel processors. Built around the Intel Z790 chipset and LGA1700 socket, it combines DDR5 memory support, PCIe 5.0 expansion, extensive M.2 storage connectivity, and modern networking features. Its Back-To-the-Future (BTF) hidden-connector design helps create a cleaner-looking PC build when paired with compatible components.
Key Features
- Intel Z790 Platform: Supports compatible Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Generation desktop processors, plus supported Pentium Gold and Celeron processors.
- DDR5 Memory: Four DIMM slots support dual-channel DDR5 memory, up to 192GB capacity, Intel XMP, DIMM Flex, and ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II.
- BTF Hidden-Connector Design: Rear-facing connectors help reduce visible cable clutter. The dedicated graphics card high-power slot can deliver up to 600W to compatible BTF graphics cards.
- Five M.2 Slots: Supports one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot and four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, alongside four SATA 6Gb/s ports.
- Advanced Connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, dual Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports, and ROG SupremeFX audio.
Processor and Memory Performance
The Intel Z790 chipset and LGA1700 socket support compatible Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Generation desktop processors. Processor compatibility and BIOS requirements should be checked against the official ASUS CPU support list before installation.
Four DDR5 DIMM slots provide dual-channel memory support with a maximum listed capacity of 192GB. Intel XMP, DIMM Flex, and ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II help configure supported memory kits. ASUS lists overclocked memory speeds of 8000+ MT/s, but achievable speeds depend on the processor, memory kit, and system configuration.
BTF Design and Graphics Power
The BTF design relocates selected motherboard connectors to the rear, helping reduce visible cables on the front side of a compatible build. Its dedicated graphics card high-power slot can supply up to 600W to supported BTF graphics cards, reducing the need for visible power cables on the graphics card itself.
To achieve the intended hidden-cable layout, use a compatible BTF graphics card and chassis. Standard graphics cards can be used in the conventional expansion slot, but the dedicated high-power feature requires compatible BTF hardware.
Expansion and Storage
The motherboard provides a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and a chipset-connected PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. The primary graphics slot can operate at x8 when the PCIe 5.0 M.2_1 slot is enabled, according to ASUS's lane-sharing specifications.
Five M.2 slots provide flexible storage options: one supports PCIe 5.0 x4, while the other four support PCIe 4.0 x4. Four SATA 6Gb/s connectors support additional storage devices. Intel Rapid Storage Technology supports RAID configurations for compatible PCIe and SATA storage.
Networking and Connectivity
Integrated Wi-Fi 7 supports compatible 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz networks, while Bluetooth 5.4 enables wireless connections to compatible peripherals. Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet provides a wired networking option.
Rear I/O includes two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports, additional USB 10Gbps and USB 5Gbps ports, HDMI, audio connections, and optical S/PDIF output. Internal headers support front-panel USB expansion, including a USB 20Gbps Type-C connector.
Audio and Cooling
ROG SupremeFX audio uses the ALC4082 codec and ESS ES9218 Quad DAC. The board also features VRM cooling, heatsinks for its M.2 slots, and fan and pump headers for compatible cooling hardware. ASUS performance and cooling utilities provide additional options for configuring a supported system.
DC Supplies Product Note
The ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO BTF combines a hidden-connector motherboard layout with extensive storage, DDR5 memory support, Wi-Fi 7, and PCIe 5.0 expansion. For the intended BTF cable-management experience, verify compatibility between the motherboard, graphics card, and chassis before purchase.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | ASUS |
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| Part Number / MPN | ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO BTF |
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| Product Type | ATX Desktop Motherboard |
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| CPU Socket | Intel LGA1700 |
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| Chipset | Intel Z790 |
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| Processor Support | Compatible Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Generation processors, plus supported Pentium Gold and Celeron processors |
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| Memory Type | DDR5, non-ECC, unbuffered |
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| Memory Slots | 4 DIMM slots, dual-channel architecture |
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| Maximum Memory Capacity | 192GB |
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| Memory Speed | Up to 8000+ MT/s (OC), depending on configuration |
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| Memory Features | Intel XMP, DIMM Flex, ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II |
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| Primary Expansion Slot | 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, supports x16 or x8 operation |
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| Additional Expansion Slot | 1 x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
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| M.2 Storage | 5 slots total: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x4 and 4 x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
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| SATA Connectivity | 4 x SATA 6Gb/s |
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| Storage RAID | Intel Rapid Storage Technology supports PCIe RAID 0/1/5/10 and SATA RAID 0/1/5/10 |
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| Wired Networking | Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet |
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| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 7, 2x2, 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz |
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| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 |
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| Audio | ROG SupremeFX ALC4082 codec with ESS ES9218 Quad DAC |
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| Video Outputs | 1 x HDMI 2.1; 2 x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C with DisplayPort video support. Display functionality depends on the processor or graphics source. |
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| Rear USB Connectivity | 2 x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, 6 x USB 10Gbps (5 Type-A and 1 Type-C), 4 x USB 5Gbps Type-A |
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| Front USB Connectivity | 1 x USB 20Gbps Type-C connector, 2 x USB 5Gbps headers supporting 4 ports, and 2 x USB 2.0 headers supporting 4 ports |
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| BTF Graphics Power | Dedicated high-power slot supplies up to 600W to compatible BTF graphics cards |
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| Form Factor | ATX |
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| Dimensions | 30.5 x 24.4 cm (12 x 9.6 inches) |
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| Operating System Support | Windows 11 and Windows 10 64-bit, as listed by ASUS |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which processors are compatible with this motherboard?
It supports compatible Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Generation desktop processors, along with supported Pentium Gold and Celeron processors. Check the ASUS CPU support list for exact compatibility and BIOS requirements.
Does this motherboard support DDR4 memory?
No. The ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO BTF is designed for DDR5 memory and does not support DDR4 DIMMs.
What does BTF mean?
BTF refers to ASUS's Back-To-the-Future design approach, which relocates selected connectors to the rear of compatible components to reduce visible cables. A complete hidden-connector setup requires a compatible chassis and, for motherboard-powered graphics, a compatible BTF graphics card.
Can it power a graphics card without visible power cables?
The dedicated graphics card high-power slot can supply up to 600W to compatible BTF graphics cards. Conventional graphics cards may still require their standard power cables.
How many M.2 SSDs can be installed?
The motherboard has five M.2 slots: one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot and four PCIe 4.0 x4 slots. Note that enabling the primary PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot reduces the primary PCIe 5.0 graphics slot to x8 operation.
Does it support Wi-Fi 7?
Yes. Wi-Fi 7 is integrated, with 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz band support. Availability of the 6GHz band and some Wi-Fi 7 features depends on regional regulations, compatible equipment, and operating-system support.
