Overview
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi is a Mini-ITX motherboard built around the Intel Z790 chipset and LGA1700 processor socket. Designed for compact desktop systems, it combines DDR5 memory support, high-speed storage interfaces, advanced connectivity, and integrated wireless networking in a 170 × 170 mm form factor.
The motherboard supports Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors, along with compatible Pentium Gold and Celeron processors. Its compact layout makes it suitable for small-form-factor PC builds requiring desktop-class expansion and connectivity.
Technical Information
The Intel Z790 platform provides a PCIe 5.0 x16 expansion slot for compatible graphics hardware and two M.2 storage slots. The primary M.2 slot supports PCIe 5.0 x4 or PCIe 4.0 x4 operation, while the secondary M.2 slot supports PCIe 4.0 x4 drives. The primary slot's operating mode depends on the motherboard's configuration.
Two DDR5 DIMM slots support dual-channel memory and Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP). ASUS specifies memory speeds up to 7600 MT/s through overclocking, depending on the installed processor and memory configuration.
For external connectivity, the board provides two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports, additional USB Type-A and Type-C connections, HDMI output, and Intel 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 provide wireless connectivity.
Interfaces and Connectivity
- USB: Two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, and two USB 2.0 Type-A ports on the rear panel.
- Display: One HDMI port supporting up to 4K at 60 Hz, plus display output through compatible Thunderbolt 4 connections.
- Wired networking: Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard.
- Wireless networking: Wi-Fi 6E with 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz band support, subject to regional regulations.
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3.
- Audio: ROG High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4050 and ESS SABRE9260Q DAC, with audio functions provided through the ROG Strix Hive.
Key Features
- Compact Mini-ITX design: A 170 × 170 mm motherboard layout for compatible small-form-factor desktop cases.
- DDR5 memory support: Two DIMM slots with dual-channel operation and XMP support.
- High-speed expansion and storage: PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics expansion and two M.2 slots supporting PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 storage, depending on slot configuration.
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity: Two USB Type-C ports supporting high-bandwidth data transfer and compatible display connections.
- ROG Strix Hive: An external desktop control and connectivity unit featuring audio connections, volume control, diagnostic indicators, and convenient system-control buttons.
Applications
This motherboard is suited to compact gaming desktops, small-form-factor enthusiast PCs, and performance-oriented systems that require DDR5 memory, fast NVMe storage, high-speed peripheral connectivity, and integrated wireless networking. Its Thunderbolt 4 ports also support compatible external storage and display equipment.
Compatibility Considerations
- Processor: Requires a compatible Intel LGA1700 processor. Check the ASUS CPU support list and BIOS requirements for the specific processor.
- Memory: Requires DDR5 desktop memory. DDR4 modules are not compatible. Maximum supported capacity and memory speed depend on the applicable specifications and configuration.
- Chassis: Requires a case supporting the Mini-ITX motherboard form factor.
- Storage: Supports compatible M.2 NVMe drives. Two SATA 6Gb/s ports are provided through the ROG FPS-II card.
- Wireless operation: Wi-Fi 6E availability, especially in the 6 GHz band, depends on regional regulations and operating-system support.
DC Supplies Product Note
When planning an SSD configuration, note that the primary M.2 slot's PCIe operating mode is linked to the motherboard's expansion-slot configuration. Review the ASUS manual before selecting a PCIe 5.0 NVMe drive and configuring the graphics expansion slot. The two SATA ports also require installation of the supplied ROG FPS-II card.
Specifications
| Brand | ASUS |
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| Part Number / MPN | ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI |
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| Product Type | Mini-ITX desktop motherboard |
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| Product Series | Republic of Gamers (ROG) Strix |
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| Chipset | Intel Z790 |
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| Processor Socket | Intel LGA1700 |
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| Supported Processors | Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen; compatible Pentium Gold and Celeron processors |
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| Memory Type | DDR5 |
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| Memory Slots | 2 × DIMM |
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| Maximum Memory Capacity | 96 GB |
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| Memory Architecture | Dual-channel |
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| Maximum Specified Memory Speed | 7600 MT/s (OC); dependent on processor and memory configuration |
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| Expansion Slot | 1 × PCIe 5.0 x16, with supported bifurcation modes |
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| M.2 Storage | 2 × M.2 Key M slots |
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| Primary M.2 Interface | PCIe 5.0 x4 or PCIe 4.0 x4, subject to configuration |
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| Secondary M.2 Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
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| SATA | 2 × SATA 6Gb/s through the ROG FPS-II card |
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| Wired Ethernet | Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet |
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| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, 2×2 |
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| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
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| Thunderbolt | 2 × Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C |
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| Video Output | 1 × HDMI; display output through compatible Thunderbolt connections |
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| Audio Codec | ROG High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4050 |
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| Audio DAC | ESS SABRE9260Q |
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| Motherboard Form Factor | Mini-ITX |
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| Dimensions | 170 × 170 mm |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which processors are compatible with this motherboard?
The motherboard uses the Intel LGA1700 socket and supports Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors, along with compatible Pentium Gold and Celeron models. Check the official ASUS CPU support list for processor-specific BIOS requirements.
Does this motherboard support DDR4 memory?
No. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming WiFi uses DDR5 memory modules and does not support DDR4 DIMMs.
Can the motherboard accommodate PCIe 5.0 NVMe storage?
Yes. Its primary M.2 slot supports PCIe 5.0 x4 or PCIe 4.0 x4 operation, depending on the motherboard configuration. The secondary M.2 slot supports PCIe 4.0 x4.
Does it support wired and wireless networking?
Yes. It includes Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. Wi-Fi 6E functionality depends on regional restrictions and supported software.
What case size is required?
The motherboard uses the Mini-ITX form factor and measures 170 × 170 mm. Confirm that the selected case supports Mini-ITX boards and provides sufficient clearance for the installed processor cooler, graphics card, and other components.
Are SATA connectors available?
Yes. The motherboard supports two SATA 6Gb/s connections through the ROG FPS-II card. Consult the motherboard manual for installation and connection details.
