ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 APEX ENCORE motherboard launched for overclocking enthusiasts, priced at 840 EUR

ASUS is set to release a new motherboard designed specifically for overclockers. Scandinavian retailers have recently listed the ROG Maximus Z790 APEX Encore, a successor to last year’s APEX version. Unlike other manufacturers who are simply updating their Z790 series with names like Z790 X or Z790 MAX, ASUS has taken a different approach by giving their boards new names like “Dark Hero” or “II.”

The Z790 APEX Encore is a high-end enthusiast motherboard tailored for users with overclocking ambitions. It features only two DIMM slots instead of the usual four, a common characteristic of overclocking-focused boards. Additionally, it supports ROG DIMM M.2, which provides two additional M.2 slots for expanded motherboard capabilities.

The APEX series is well-known for its impressive overclocking capabilities, having achieved several world records such as overclocking the i9-13900K to 9 GHz and pushing DDR5 memory past 11.2 GT/s. These achievements were made possible in part by the original board’s robust 24 power stage system. While the specific enhancements introduced by the Encore version in this area have yet to be officially confirmed, they are eagerly anticipated.

One confirmed feature of the Z790 APEX Encore is the adoption of WiFi-7, a significant upgrade over Wi-Fi 6E. This advanced wireless technology is a consistent feature across all the refreshed Z790 motherboards, including the APEX Encore. However, there have been no changes to the Ethernet port, which remains a single 2.5GbE port. The audio chipset also remains unchanged, utilizing the Realtek ALC4080 processor in combination with the Savitech SV3H712 amplifier.

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 APEX Encore motherboard boasts an ATX form factor and is equipped with an Intel LGA-1700 socket and Intel Z790 chipset. It features 2 x PCI-Express 5.0 x16 slots, Dual DDR5-5600 with 2 x DIMM slots supporting Intel XMP, and various storage ports including SATA-600 and M.2 NVMe PCI-Express 4.0. The board also offers USB 3.2 Gen 2 type A & C ports, Intel I225-V 2.5 Gigabit network (LAN), Intel WiFi 7 & Bluetooth 5.4, and a Realtek ALC4080 HD Audio (8-channel) sound card. It is compatible with ASUS AURA Sync software for customizable lighting effects.

The APEX Encore has already been listed by multiple retailers, with prices ranging from 9789 NOK or 839 EUR. The board is expected to launch soon, possibly before or around the same time as Intel’s Raptor Lake Refresh (14th Gen Core series) on October 17th.

Background Information

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About ASUS:

ASUS, founded in 1989 by Ted Hsu, M.T. Liao, Wayne Hsieh, and T.H. Tung, has become a multinational tech giant known for its diverse hardware products. Spanning laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and more, ASUS has gained recognition for its innovation and commitment to high-performance computing solutions. The company has a significant presence in gaming technology, producing popular products that cater to enthusiasts and professionals alike. With a focus on delivering and reliable technology, ASUS maintains its position as a important player in the industry.

  

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About Intel:

Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

  

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Technology Explained

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DDR5: DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) is the next generation of memory technology for the computer industry. It is a modern day improvement on earlier DDR technologies, with faster speeds, greater bandwidth and higher capacities. DDR5 enables higher resolution, seamless gaming experiences and faster data transfer rates, making it an ideal choice for high-performance computing and 4K gaming. With its greater RAM compatibility, DDR5 provides faster buffering times and raised clock speeds, giving users an improved overall work system. DDR5 is also optimized for multi-tasking, allowing users to multitask without experiencing a significant drop in performance, increasing the productivity of digital tasks. As an ever-evolving technology, DDR5 is paving the way for the computer industry into a new and powerful era.

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M.2: M.2, also known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a computer expansion card format that is designed to replace the outdated mSATA standard. It is thinner and longer than mSATA, which gives it a much higher data transfer rate. The M.2 format measures 22mm in width and can measure up to 110mm in length. It uses the M-key and B-key connectors to interface with PC host systems, and can connect to both SATA III and PCIe for data transfer. Due to its small size, M.2 is often used for ultra-slim laptops and netbooks, as well as in embedded SSDs for tablets and other mobile devices. It is also becoming increasingly popular in the desktop computer industry, thanks to its compactness and fast transfer speeds. This makes M.2 ideal for gaming PCs, workstations, and other demanding applications that require high levels of data throughput.

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NVMe: Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) is a newly developed technology that has been gaining traction in the computer industry. This technology is a standard interface which allows for high-speed storage and retrieval of data from solid state drives (SSDs). NVMe is designed to increase the speed of data transfers in storage systems by enabling a direct connection to PCI Express (PCIe) bus, resulting in significantly faster access times compared to traditional interface protocols such SSDs. NVMe is particularly useful for applications that require lightning-fast access to large amounts of high-value data. NVMe-based SSDs are being widely adopted in the computer industry and are being employed to power data centers, high-end workstations, and gaming machines to support lightning-fast data processing and retrieval, which unlocks possibilities for machine learning, real-time analytics, edge computing, and other cutting-edge applications. NVMe is proving to be an invaluable tool in the field of computing, offering immense

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Wi-Fi 6E: WiFi 6E is the latest iteration of the WiFi standard, offering faster speeds and improved performance. It is designed to take advantage of the newly available 6GHz frequency band, which is much less congested than the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This means that WiFi 6E can provide faster speeds and more reliable connections, even in crowded areas. It is also more secure, as it uses the latest encryption standards. In the computer industry, WiFi 6E can be used to provide faster and more reliable connections for laptops, tablets, and other devices. It can also be used to provide better coverage in large buildings, such as offices and universities. Additionally, it can be used to provide better connections for streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu, as well as for gaming.

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WiFi 7: WiFi 7 is the latest development in wireless networking technology. It boasts a much larger range than previous versions, allowing its users to access a wireless signal from up to three times further away compared to its predecessor. WiFi 7 also offers greater performance even in congested areas, providing an improved, more reliable connection. As a result, computer industry experts are raving about its applications. WiFi 7 can be used for various tasks like streaming multimedia content, connecting to the Internet, and transferring large files between devices seamlessly. It is also used in businesses to improve their workflow and customer care abilities by providing instant access to their online resources. All in all, WiFi 7 is an innovative and highly sought after technology within the computer industry, and its advancements have made it essential for many businesses.

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Z790: The Z790 chipset is a motherboard platform from Intel that supports the 12th Gen Core, 13th Gen Core CPUs and 14th Gen Core CPUs. It offers more PCIe Gen 4 lanes and USB 3.2x2 ports than the previous Z690 chipset, which can enable faster storage and connectivity options.

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