ASUS has introduced two cutting-edge motherboards—the ROG Maximus Z890 HERO BTF and the ROG Maximus Z790 HERO CAMM2. These motherboards come equipped with features tailored for Intel’s next-generation Arrow Lake-S Desktop CPUs and demonstrate a significant leap in technology, notably for enthusiast-grade computing.
The ROG Maximus Z890 HERO BTF motherboard is positioned as a high-performance platform with its support for quad DDR5 DIMMs, PCIe 5.0, and Gen5 M.2 slots. Aesthetically, the motherboard doesn’t disappoint, offering a robust design complete with extensive heat sinks and faceplates that not only enhance its appearance but also contribute to better thermal management.
What sets the Z890 HERO BTF apart is its unique backside connectors layout. This BTF—or back top flow—design situates the main power connectors behind the motherboard, streamlining cable management. Equipped with dual 8-pin CPU power inputs and a 12V-2×6 connector, this model is designed to accommodate the GC_HPWR connector introduced by ASUS, aimed at simplifying power delivery to demanding components such as high-performance graphics cards.
This innovative motherboard design, expected to roll out later in the year, will also be available in traditional formats for those who prefer standard connector placements.
Switching to its counterpart, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 HERO motherboard comes with the innovative CAMM2 connector. It made waves during the demo, operating a Kingston Fury Renegade DDR5 module with an impressive 48 GB capacity at a rapid 8000 MT/s—the module remained remarkably cool at only 41°C, even without a dedicated cooling mechanism.
The showcased DDR5 module operated with the timings set to 38-48-48-128-176-2T. Although ASUS considers the CAMM2 solution of the Z790 HERO more as a conceptual offering, the company suggests that consumers can anticipate more CAMM2 solutions in future products.
Aside from the innovative motherboards, ASUS also highlighted its latest power supply units. The ROG THOR 1600W Titanium III PSU, notable for its GaN MOSFETs and magnetic OLED display, and the ROG STRIX 1000W Platinum PSU, which also utilizes GaN MOSFET technology and adheres to ATX 3.1 standards, were presented. Both PSUs feature dual 12V-2×6 power connectors among other ports.
Clearly, ASUS is pushing the boundaries of motherboard design and power efficiency, ensuring that enthusiasts and professional users are equipped with the latest in tech to meet their demanding computing requirements. With these upcoming releases, ASUS reaffirms its commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of high-performance computing.
