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ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 HeroMOBO

MOBOMotherboards·ASUS

ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Hero

4.6
Shed ScoreEditorial rating out of 5, based on specs, build quality and value in its class.
  • Extreme VRM overclocking headroom
  • Five M.2 PCIe 5.0 slots
  • WiFi 7 connectivity

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Hero stands as a flagship-tier motherboard built for enthusiasts who demand top-tier power delivery, extensive connectivity, and premium aesthetics for their Intel Core Ultra builds.

  • ChipsetIntel Z890
  • SocketLGA1851
  • Memory SupportDDR5 up to 9000+ MT/s (OC), 4 slots
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// Datasheet

Technical specifications

ROG-MAXIMUS-Z890-HERO5 fields
ChipsetIntel Z890
SocketLGA1851
Memory SupportDDR5 up to 9000+ MT/s (OC), 4 slots
VRM Design16+2+2 phases, 110A power stages
NetworkingWiFi 7 + 5Gbps Ethernet

// Verdict

Our take

4.6

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Hero stands as a flagship-tier motherboard built for enthusiasts who demand top-tier power delivery, extensive connectivity, and premium aesthetics for their Intel Core Ultra builds. While its price tag targets serious overclockers and high-end system builders, the robust VRM, five M.2 slots, WiFi 7, and refined audio make it a compelling centerpiece for a no-compromise gaming or content creation rig.

// Trade-offs

Pros and cons

+What we like

  • Exceptional VRM design enables aggressive overclocking headroom
  • Extensive connectivity with five M.2 slots and USB4 support
  • Premium build quality with robust heatsinks and backplate cooling
  • Outstanding audio solution rivaling dedicated sound cards
  • Intuitive BIOS and Fan Xpert software for tuning

−Watch out for

  • Premium price point places it among the most expensive Z890 boards
  • Only two native USB4 ports despite high overall I/O count
  • Dense component layout can complicate cable management in compact cases
  • RGB lighting requires ASUS Aura Sync ecosystem for full customization

// Feature set

Key features

  • 01Intel Z890 chipset supporting LGA1851 socket for Intel Core Ultra series 2 processors
  • 0216+2+2 power stage design with 110A smart power stages for extreme overclocking
  • 03DDR5 support up to 9000+ MT/s (OC) with AEMP III technology
  • 04Five M.2 slots including PCIe 5.0 M.2 with dedicated heatsinks and M.2 backplate
  • 05WiFi 7 and 5Gbps Ethernet onboard for high-speed networking
  • 06ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound ALC4082 Codec with ESS ES9219Q DAC
  • 07Polymo Lighting II with customizable Aura Sync RGB on rear I/O cover
  • 08Pre-mounted I/O shield and BIOS FlashBack for easy firmware updates
  • 09PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with ROG Q-Release Slim for tool-free GPU removal

// Long read

Full review

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Hero stands as a flagship motherboard built for enthusiasts who demand uncompromising performance from their Intel builds. Designed around the LGA 1851 socket to support the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, this ATX board combines robust power delivery with the kind of engineering precision ROG is known for. A sophisticated power stage design, reinforced with premium heatsinks and a thoughtfully optimized VRM layout, ensures stable and efficient power delivery even under sustained heavy loads, making it an ideal foundation for high-end gaming rigs and demanding workstation tasks alike.

Connectivity and memory support on the Maximus Z890 Hero are tailored for cutting-edge builds, featuring DDR5 memory slots capable of supporting high-frequency kits for maximum bandwidth and responsiveness. The board integrates multiple PCIe 5.0 slots for next-generation graphics cards and NVMe storage, alongside an array of M.2 slots equipped with heatsinks to keep blazing-fast SSDs cool under pressure. Networking is handled with high-speed onboard LAN and Wi-Fi 7 support, ensuring low-latency, high-throughput connections for both competitive gaming and content-heavy workflows, while USB4 connectivity provides fast, versatile peripheral and storage options.

Beyond raw specifications, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Hero delivers a refined user experience through its comprehensive cooling design, including strategically placed fan headers and support for elaborate liquid cooling setups. The ROG aesthetic shines through with customizable Aura Sync RGB lighting, a sleek armor-clad design, and a distinctive I/O shield that merges form with function. Intuitive BIOS navigation, Q-LED troubleshooting indicators, and one-click overclocking tools simplify the building and tuning process, empowering both seasoned PC builders and ambitious newcomers to extract maximum performance from their components. This motherboard isn't just a component—it's the centerpiece of a high-performance custom build engineered for longevity and relentless power.

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