ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex (WiFi 6E): Z790 ATX Motherboard for Extreme Overclocking and Gaming, featuring Intel 12th-14th Gen Support, PCIe 5.0, DDR5, Five M.2 Slots, Wi-Fi 6E & 2.5Gb Ethernet

The **ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex (WiFi 6E)** is a flagship-tier ATX motherboard meticulously engineered for extreme overclocking and peak gaming performance. Designed to unleash the full potential of Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th Generation Core processors on the LGA 1700 socket, this board is the ultimate platform for enthusiasts pushing the limits of their hardware.

Its power delivery is exceptionally robust, featuring a **24 + 0 + 2 teamed power stage design**, with each stage rated for 105A. This, combined with Dual ProCool II power connectors and premium components, ensures unparalleled stability and voltage delivery for extreme overclocking scenarios, even under liquid nitrogen cooling conditions thanks to its dedicated OC Kit features.

Memory performance is a core focus, with two optimized DDR5 DIMM slots capable of supporting astounding speeds over **8000+ MT/s (OC)**. This is achieved through advanced ASUS technologies like OptiMem III and AEMP, specifically designed to maximize DDR5 frequency and minimize latency. The bundled ROG Memory Fan Kit further aids in actively cooling RAM modules for sustained high speeds.

For cutting-edge storage and expansion, the Z790 Apex offers extensive PCIe Gen 5.0 support. It boasts **two PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlots** for the latest graphics cards and provides a total of **five M.2 slots** for high-speed NVMe SSDs. This is achieved through a combination of an onboard PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot, a bundled **PCIe 5.0 M.2 Card** for a dedicated Gen 5 NVMe drive, and a unique **ROG DIMM.2 Card** that adds two more PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, all equipped with substantial heatsinks to prevent thermal throttling.

Connectivity is top-tier, including **Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet** for reliable wired gaming and **Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)** for ultra-fast, low-latency wireless connections utilizing the less congested 6GHz band. A comprehensive array of USB ports, including a rear USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C® (20Gbps) and a front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connector with Quick Charge 4+ up to 60W, ensures ample connectivity for all peripherals.

The motherboard also incorporates an advanced cooling design with massive VRM heatsinks, multiple M.2 heatsinks with backplates, and a ROG Water-Cooling Zone for custom liquid cooling setups. Intelligent control features like AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation simplify system optimization. The board is also highly DIY-friendly, featuring conveniences like PCIe Slot Q-Release, M.2 Q-Latch, and a pre-mounted I/O shield.