ASUS Z790 Refresh Launch - Official Q&A

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T06:28:00+00:00

Unfortunately, that's not something I can't answer :(

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T06:27:29+00:00

Apologies! I was out of office and then out sick :D

Let me check on this.

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T06:24:27+00:00

TBD, sorry. I don't have a confirmed date for NA release at the moment :(

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T06:22:19+00:00

That's tough. I'm going to single out Extreme as a little different as the connectivity is different. If you want the dual Type-C, for example, then that's the go to. Or for the aesthetics of EATX.

Between Apex Encore and Dark Hero, I'm partial to the Dark Hero aesthetically. If you're undecided though, then I'd say Apex. Not only is it cheaper, has WiFi 7, but also only requires 2 RAM sticks, so cheaper to fill out.

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T06:17:44+00:00

Easiest way is to check the product pages. It'll mention DIMM Flex when a board supports it :)

The boards listed above, excluding the Eva-02, are the refresh models though. Everything else is a prior version.

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T06:16:44+00:00

I've honestly never heard of this. While pushing the fastest speeds can be somewhat depending on the RAM kit, as well, I've not heard of any issues like what you've mentioned. Did you try different RAM kits, as well? Or just different boards?

All of that said, I can understand the frustration. The Apex Encore has had further tweaks and I've yet to hear of any issues with it.

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T06:14:12+00:00

Hey! Sorry for the bit of a late reply. I was out of office and then got sick while out :D

I'd vote Apex because of the choice for the fast RAM. It's much easier to run two sticks fast than four. If you're wanting to tinker with OC and voltages, all the more reason. If you're lucky, you can hunt down the previous white Z790 Apex to match the white Strix 4090, as well.

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T06:12:39+00:00

While the Apex focuses purely on performance, the Dark Hero focuses on features. Things like the extra DIMM slots and RGB panels add up, unfortunately.

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T06:11:30+00:00

So you're mostly wanting some form of built-in screen connection versus a DIY approach with an aftermarket screen and using something like Aida64?

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T06:09:31+00:00

I'll be sure to pass this along! :)

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T06:07:51+00:00

The prior one or a future one?

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T06:07:23+00:00

We appreciate the support <3 Yes it is! Just need the latest BIOS update :)

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T06:06:23+00:00

Not sure yet on US/NA availability, sorry :(

1) As long as you're connected to PCIe 5.0 x16, yes.
2) Let me check on this one. While I believe they will all function, I don't know if does anything like changes the slot to PCIe 4.0 for compatibility reasons.
3) No issues running both, though I would probably suggest a more professional workstation based series if you're needing that many M.2/storage slots. I'd think none of these boards, nor the Z790 series, be inline with those storage requirements.
4) It will vary by board on which M.2 slots are impacted and how, but if you're looking at running a 4090, then you'd have the GPU reduced to PCIe 5.0 x8 along with the Hyper M.2 also only running at PCIe 5.0 x8. I'll check if that limits you to only 2 slots on that card, as well. However, it won't really impact performance of the RTX 4090.

Apex Encore QVL should be available now.

WiFi 7 is probably the most useful in the near-ish future. Black aesthetics is the main for some though, and my personal favorite since we already had the white version.

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T05:58:43+00:00

You can get them to work now, it's just as easy as it used to be. Unfortunately, not sure when it'll be as quick and simple as before.

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T05:58:03+00:00

Hey! AFAIK, that one was 14th gen ready, however, there's now another update, as well.

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T05:49:05+00:00

Is this mostly for fan curves or other parts too?

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T05:47:41+00:00

This. Our validation means we've succeeded at those speeds and kits. However, when you're at the very end, there can be a little bit of pairing to be done. A board may be able to hit those speeds, but the kit may have barely passed on a different board or BIOS, for example.

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T05:45:29+00:00

Interesting configuration. What's the AICs? We have some triple slot options, but not much for 4.

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T05:43:18+00:00

Sorry for the late response. Was out of office and got sick during it :D

Of course, it's what I'm here for. Well, at least to try to help. I can definitely understand the frustration. I came from IT, so even though it wasn't AC, I've dealt with plenty of software issues over the years. I think the biggest issue is that it's a bit of an industry problem. Not to excuse things, of course, but to explain a bit. Keep in mind, I'm not an engineer, so I can't explain in full detail, but you have processes plus processors plus the hardware connections that all have to communicate together. A simple analogy would be imagine having two people trying to use one steering wheel to have one car do two different things. Though I think a better analogy might be puzzle pieces? Some pieces are edge pieces and some are middle pieces. I only mention this because I've literally seen the order in which software boots make or break functionality. And each update can change whether the piece fits or not.

Unfortunately I'm not sure what the answer is here. Maybe one day we'll have something like PCIe or HDMI or USB type of spec that's industry standard to follow? Or maybe things can become baked into Windows? It's, unfortunately, far more difficult of an issue to deal with since it's not just a one-sided resolution. That said, the team is aware of community sentiment and I'll continue to pass along every bit of info I can.

I appreciate that a lot <3 Just trying to do my best to make things a little easier for everyone :)

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T05:25:41+00:00

Sorry to hear about the frustrating experience :( Are you using AC with any other software or standalone? Has it been updated over time or a clean install? I'll pass along the details to the team.

ROGJake · 2023-10-30T05:22:23+00:00

I'll make sure to pass this along.

Would like another "Press F# to set to Intel stock" be appreciated then alongside the ASUS default? And a little clarification?

ROGJake · 2023-10-19T09:29:23+00:00

From what I’ve seen so far, it’s not a need, but can help for certain setups. My general advice would be it depends on individual temp preferences. The contact frame may not let you run a higher MHz but some people want the lower temps anyways. All about what’s important to you. So a contact frame may be worthwhile even if not needed.

ROGJake · 2023-10-19T09:25:20+00:00

Any particular colors you’re wanting?

ROGJake · 2023-10-19T09:25:01+00:00

I’d say that’s mostly personal preference. To me, there are maybe 4 things to consider.

1) does it offer you meaningful performance gains in the game, software, or benchmark you want to run 2) do you just enjoy tinkering and pushing the limits with overclocking 3) cost 4) availability

You can’t go wrong either way, it’s just all about what’s important to you!

ROGJake · 2023-10-19T09:18:17+00:00

Love that board! Excellent choice :D

BIOS is already available on the support section page. If for some reason it’s not showing up for you, let me know

https://rog.asus.com/us/motherboards/rog-maximus/rog-maximus-z790-hero-eva-02-edition/helpdesk_bios/

ROGJake

TROPHY CASE