Exclusive Sneak Peek: Unveiling the Powerhouse ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 APEX Encore!

Highlights

The forthcoming release of the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 APEX Encore, a high-end gaming motherboard, has been exposed prior to its official debut. This upgraded version of the Z790 APEX boasts enhanced features such as support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

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The motherboard boasts support for PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and exclusive Asus features such as AI Overclocking and Aura Sync RGB lighting. With a sleek black design, a white variant may also be available.

Renowned for its exceptional overclocking capabilities, the APEX series shattered numerous world records last year. The release of the motherboard is anticipated to coincide with Intel's Raptor Lake Refresh desktop CPUs, potentially on October 17.

The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 APEX Encore has surfaced before its official release, appearing on a Scandinavian retailer's website. This suggests that a new iteration of the popular APEX series motherboards is on the horizon. Asus will join other manufacturers such as Gigabyte and MSI in updating their Z790 motherboards. The ROG Maximus Z790 APEX Encore flaunts a sleek black design, although the presence of a white version remains uncertain.

The ROG Maximus Z790 APEX is a top-level gaming motherboard engineered for overclocking. Designed for the LGA 1700 platform, it supports noteworthy features including PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and exclusive Asus functionalities like AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and Aura Sync RGB lighting. Unlike the usual four DIMM slots, it boasts only two, but compensates with a ROG DIMM.2 expansion card providing two additional M.2 slots. The APEX series is acclaimed for its exceptional overclocking capabilities. In fact, it achieved multiple world records at the end of last year, including reaching 9008.82 MHz with the i9-13900K CPU.

The ROG Maximus Z790 APEX Encore motherboard was recently listed by Norwegian retailer Proshop (via Overclocking) before its official launch. Although there was no image included, the listing revealed some specifications and the price. With the name indicating its upgrade from the Z790 APEX, the upcoming motherboard will introduce new features such as Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support. It is important to note that Asus has not yet disclosed any information about this new motherboard, and the listing has been removed.

Z790 Motherboards Currently on the Market:

The MSI PRO Z790-A Wi-Fi Gaming Motherboard is a high-quality motherboard that offers a wide range of connectivity options. It is compatible with Intel's 12th and 13th-generation processors and features a reliable 16+1+1 phase power delivery mechanism. Priced comparably to Intel's budget B760 motherboards, it provides excellent value for the price.

$220 at Amazon $210 at Best Buy

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi

Get the Asus ROG Strix Z790-E motherboard for only $450 and save $30. This motherboard is the go-to choice for gamers and content creators who want to make a bold statement. It fully supports 12th and 13th-generation Intel CPUs and boasts an impressive 18+1 power solution for optimal processor performance. Additionally, it outshines its competitors with its inclusion of a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, providing the fastest storage available. Don't miss out on this incredible deal available at Amazon for $450 or at Best Buy and Walmart for $480.

Unleash the full power of Intel's 12th and 13th-generation CPUs with the EVGA Z790 DARK K|NGP|N motherboard. With a 21-phase VRM, consistent and steady power is guaranteed, while the 14-layer low-loss PCB ensures maximum signal integrity for overclocking memory. This cutting-edge motherboard supports PCIe Gen 5 components, making it perfect for overclockers. Plus, the Z790 DARK K|NGP|N comes equipped with sensors that constantly monitor voltage and temperatures for optimal performance. Get yours now for only $460, saving $30 from the original price of $490.

$460 at Amazon $490 at Newegg $800 at EVGA

ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard

The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard offers great value with its new features like USB4, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. Despite being compact, this mITX motherboard packed with a Z790 chipset is competitively priced compared to similar options. Available for only $332 on Amazon, Newegg, and Walmart.

Introducing the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC Gaming Motherboard:

Now only $190, discounted from $200, giving you a saving of $10! This outstanding entry-level Z790 Motherboard is equipped with DDR5 and Wi-Fi AC, along with 3 M2 slots. With a price that falls within the range of most B760 motherboards, it provides unbeatable value in terms of price-to-performance ratio.

$190 is the price for the Maximus Z790 APEX Encore at Amazon, Walmart, and Newegg. According to a report by Videocardz, images reveal that Asus has chosen a black colorway for this version. The original Maximus Z790 APEX model was released in a white colorway with RGB accents. However, the Encore model appears to have a similar design but in white.

Asus has not disclosed a release date for the APEX Encore motherboard, but indications from the retailer listing suggest a forthcoming launch. In line with other manufacturers such as Gigabyte and MSI, Asus is upgrading its existing lineup to support Intel's upcoming 14th generation of desktop CPUs. Continuing the trend from the past two years, the next generation of CPUs will utilize the LGA 1700 socket.

Regarding pricing, the retailer listing showcases the motherboard at NOK 9790, equivalent to approximately $893 or €850. It is anticipated to be released around the same time as Intel's Raptor Lake Refresh desktop CPUs, expected on October 17 based on reports. At the product presentation, Asus previewed its new and upcoming lineup, highlighting technological advancements and release dates for certain CPUs. The Meteor Lake mobile CPUs are set to arrive on December 14, followed by their desktop counterparts, likely in the first quarter of next year.