Summary
Asus ROG Maximus Z790 APEX Encore has been leaked ahead of its official launch. The motherboard was spotted on a Scandinavian retailer website, suggesting that a successor to the popular APEX series motherboards is around the corner. Asus will join other manufacturers that have been updating their Z790 motherboards including Gigabyte and MSI. The ROG Maximus Z790 APEX Encore is said to use a black design, and it is unclear if there will be a white variant.
The ROG Maximus Z790 APEX is a top-tier gaming motherboard designed for overclocking. Based on the LGA 1700 platform, the motherboard supports PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and several Asus-exclusive features like AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and Aura Sync RGB lighting. It also has only two DIMM slots instead of the typical four, but it does come with a ROG DIMM.2 expansion card that gives two extra M.2 slots. The APEX series is renowned for its overclocking capabilities. Late last year, it broke multiple world records, one of which was reaching 9008.82 MHz withthe i9-13900K CPU.
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Norwegianretailer Proshop listed(via Overclocking) the ROG Maximus Z790 APEX Encore motherboard ahead of its official launch. While the listing did not have an image for the motherboard, it did list some of the specifications and the price. As the name suggests, the upcoming motherboard will be an upgrade over the Z790 APEX, bringing a few new features like support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. It should be noted that Asus has not shared any information about the new motherboard, and the listing has since been taken down as well.
Currently Available Z790 Motherboards
MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi Gaming Motherboard
The MSI PRO Z790-A Wi-Fi Gaming Motherboard is an excellent, well-rounded Z790 motherboard with plenty of connectivity features while supporting Intel’s 12th and 13th-generation processors. In addition, it has a decent 16+1+1 phase power delivery system at a price that makes it comparable to Intel’s more budget B760 motherboards.
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi
The Asus ROG Strix Z790-E is the ultimate motherboard for gamers and content creators looking to make a statement. The motherboard supports 12th and 13th-generation Intel CPUs with an 18+1 power solution to maximize processor performance. Leading a crowded field of contenders, the Asus ROG Strix Z790-E also includes a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot for the fastest storage possible.
EVGA Z790 DARK K|NGP|N
The EVGA Z790 DARK K|NGP|N motherboard is designed to unleash the full power of Intel’s 12th and 13th-generation CPUs. A 21-phase VRM ensures that these CPUs have consistent and steady power, while a 14-layer low-loss PCB maintains maximum signal integrity for overclocking memory. On the cutting edge of motherboards, the Z790 DARK K|NGP|N supports PCIe Gen 5 components. A dream for overclockers, the Z790 DARK K|NGP|N has sensors to monitor voltage and temperatures constantly.
ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard
The ASRock Z790 PG-ITX/TB4 Gaming Motherboard is an excellent mITX motherboard that brings a host of new features including USB4, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 to a Z790 chipset in a compact but potent form factor while clocking in at a considerable discount to its closest Z790-based competition.
GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC Gaming Motherboard
The GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC Gaming Motherboard is an entry-level Z790 Motherboard that offers DDR5, Wi-Fi AC bundled with 3 M2 slots. Priced around the same range as most B760 motherboards, it promises exceptional value from a price-to-performance perspective.
Aseparate report shows(via Videocardz) images of the Maximus Z790 APEX Encore, and it looks like this time Asus is going with a black colorway. The Maximus Z790 APEX comes in a white colorway with RGB accents. The Encore model seems to have the same design but in white.
Asus has not shared a release date for the APEX Encore motherboard, but the retailer listing suggests an imminent launch. The company willsoon join Gigabyte, MSI, and other manufacturers who have also upgraded their current lineup to support Intel’s upcoming 14th generation of desktop CPUs. The next generation of CPUs will continue to use the same socket – LGA 1700 – for the third consecutive year.
As for pricing, the retailer listing had the motherboard priced at NOK 9790 which is about $893 and about €850. It is expected to be released around the same time as Intel’s Raptor Lake Refresh desktop CPUs which, according to reports, will be on October 17. The company showed off its new and upcoming lineup, the new technological advancements, and release dates for some CPUs. The Meteor Lake mobile CPUs will arrive on December 14 anddesktop counterparts will arrive next year, possibly in the first quarter of next year.
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