Published: October 16, 2023 | Source: ASUS | Author: Tom Logan

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore Preview

Board Tour

The first thing that strikes you about the top half of the Z790 Apex Encore is how chunky the VRM heatsinks are. Additionally it’s impossible not to notice the DIMM.2 slot means you just get a pair of memory slots. Those with quad-stick kits need not apply.

We are sure that the multi-format ROG Eye logo will divide opinion. Is it a cool way of flexing their design muscle, or does it just look like a selection of parts-bin heatsinks? Given this is a ROG Maximus motherboard we’d prefer a single design eye, but we’re sure some of you love it.

Beginning at the top left and working clockwise. The Z790 Apex Encore has braced 8pin CPU power inputs alongside a handy fan header.

Fan headers, DIMM.2, and RGB headers

Just above the northern VRM heatsink you can see two more CPU fan headers. The top right corner of ROG motherboards is always full of things to play with and the Apex Encore is no exception. Two ARGB headers for the AURA Sync lighting sit next to a dedicated AIO pump header. The on-board overclocking and voltage monitoring points are all present and correct. We even have a ASUS DIMM.2 slot.

Moving down we find the first of the USB Type-C front panel connectors. Why did the trend for horizontal 24pin ATX power inputs disappear?

Here you get a closer look at the styles used for the ROG logo. We’re pleased to see the inclusion of the easy PCI Express slot removal button. On the edge you can see another fan header. Below that a Type-A front panel USB sits with the SATA ports and additional PCIe power connector.

There is a dedicated water pump area on the bottom right. With flow monitoring, pump power and fan headers, you’ll easily be able to build a liquid system if you so wish. USB 2.0 front panel handle all those internal RGB device controls that are in vogue.

We have another Type-A USB front panel connector, as well as two more RGB AURA headers. SupremeFX is found on it’s on separate trace for smooth audio. You can just see the CMOS battery peeking out.