Looking Beyond the ASUS ROG Maximus DDR5 ATX Motherboard? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero stands out for its heavy-duty 20+1 power delivery and five M.2 storage slots. It supports LGA 1700 processors with PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. If you are searching for asus rog maximus z790 hero alternatives, you might want a different specification or form factor. Some users prefer a smaller board or a different chipset for their build. Others may need a more budget-friendly option that still supports the latest Intel processors.
The 6 alternatives listed here were chosen because their specs overlap with the original product. Each board supports LGA 1700 CPUs and DDR5 memory, ensuring compatibility with modern components. You will find options with varying power phases, M.2 slot counts, and networking features. Some boards offer PCIe 5.0 support, while others focus on balanced performance for gaming. This guide helps you compare these motherboards based on their published specifications, allowing you to select the best fit for your specific needs without unnecessary extras.
Our top pick: ASUS ROG Maximus DDR5 ATX Motherboard.
How these alternatives differ
MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi ATX Motherboard
The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi offers a 16+1+1 power phase layout compared to the ASUS 20+1 design. It retains PCIe 5.0 support and Wi-Fi 6E for modern connectivity. This board weighs 4.5 pounds, significantly lighter than the ASUS Hero at 9.3 pounds. You get 2.5GbE Ethernet just like the original. It serves as a balanced Z790 foundation. If you do not need Gen 5 M.2 speeds, this stable option provides essential LGA 1700 features. It is ideal for builders who want a lighter ATX board with strong core specifications without the extra power phases of the Maximus.
MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard
This MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi model delivers core PCIe 5.0 performance and DDR5 memory support. It shares the same 2.5GbE Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E standards as the ASUS ROG Maximus. The board focuses on balanced high-speed networking and multiple M.2 storage options. It is designed for standard ATX builds needing reliable LGA 1700 support. While it lacks the extreme 20+1 power stage count of the Hero, it provides the essential Z790 specification set. You get the necessary connectivity for gaming and content creation. It is a practical choice if you prioritize core platform features over maximum power delivery headroom.
MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard
The MSI Gaming Plus Z790 provides essential LGA 1700 platform features at a budget-focused level. It includes PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and Wi-Fi 6E, matching the key connectivity of the ASUS ROG Maximus. It also features 2.5GbE Ethernet. This board delivers the core Z790 specification set for standard ATX builds. It gives up the heavy-duty 20+1 power delivery and extensive M.2 slot count of the Hero. It is designed for budget-conscious builders who still want modern standards. If you do not need premium power stages or extra storage slots, this board offers a solid foundation for DDR5 gaming on the LGA 1700 platform.
ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F ATX Motherboard
The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F uses the older Z690 chipset but supports LGA 1700 processors. It offers a 16+1 power delivery design, which is less robust than the Hero’s 20+1 stages. It includes four M.2 slots instead of five. You still get PCIe 5.0, DDR5, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5GbE Ethernet. This board serves as a spec-heavy alternative for premium ROG features on a Z690 base. It is suitable if you want high-end connectivity but do not strictly need the Z790 chipset’s latest features. The form factor remains ATX, fitting standard cases. It is a viable option for those prioritizing brand features over the newest chipset generation.
ASUS ROG Strix Z690 ATX Motherboard
The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E provides an 18+1 power design, falling short of the Maximus’s 20+1 stages. It supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 for LGA 1700 systems. It offers extensive M.2 drive expandability, though the exact count is not specified here. You get fast Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet, matching the original’s networking capabilities. This board is a solid foundation for multi-drive DDR5 gaming builds. It gives up the latest Z790 chipset features but retains high-tier connectivity. It is ideal if you want premium ROG aesthetics and robust power delivery without the specific power phase count of the Maximus Hero.
ASUS ROG Strix LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E delivers an 18+1 power design, which is slightly less than the Maximus’s 20+1 stages. It features five M.2 slots, matching the Hero’s storage capacity. It supports PCIe 5.0, DDR5, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5GbE Ethernet. This board provides balanced high-tier connectivity for Intel LGA 1700 systems. It is an excellent choice if you need expansive M.2 storage without the extreme power delivery of the Maximus. The ATX form factor ensures compatibility with standard cases. It retains the premium ROG feature set while offering a slightly different power configuration. It is a strong alternative for builders who prioritize storage expandability alongside strong networking specs.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
ASUS ROG Maximus DDR5 ATX Motherboard
Best for: LGA 1700 builds needing extensive M.2 storage
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 5
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6E
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero ATX Motherboard provides an LGA 1700 socket compatible with 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core processors. It features a 20+1 power stage design rated at 90 A, DDR5 memory support, and a PCIe 5.0 interface. With five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5Gb Ethernet onboard, it suits you if you need extensive high-speed storage expansion and robust power delivery for a high-end gaming build.
Pros
- 20+1 teamed power stages rated for 90 A
- Five onboard M.2 slots with dedicated heatsinks
- PCIe 5.0 interface and DDR5 memory support
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and 2.5Gb Ethernet
Cons
- Uses Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Listed package weight reaches 9.3 pounds
Good fit if
- You run a 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Intel Core processor.
- You need five onboard M.2 storage drives.
- You require a 20+1 power phase layout rated for 90 A.
Skip if
- You require the newer Wi-Fi 7 wireless networking standard.
- You plan to build with an LGA 1851 socket processor.
Verdict: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero ATX Motherboard delivers heavy-duty 20+1 power delivery and five M.2 slots for LGA 1700 processors. It provides comprehensive connectivity including PCIe 5.0, DDR5, and Wi-Fi 6E.
MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi ATX Motherboard
Best for: balanced LGA 1700 DDR5 gaming builds
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Chipset
- Z790
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6E
The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi ATX Motherboard is an LGA 1700 platform designed for Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors. You get a PCIe 5.0 slot for modern graphics cards, DDR5 memory support up to 7200+ MHz, and a 16+1+1 power phase design. With integrated Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet, it provides reliable connectivity for high-performance desktop gaming builds.
Pros
- PCIe 5.0 expansion slot
- 16+1+1 duet rail power design
- DDR5 memory support up to 7200+ MHz
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN built-in
Cons
- M.2 storage limited to PCIe 4.0 speeds
- Ethernet capped at 2.5Gbps rather than 5Gbps or 10Gbps
Good fit if
- You need a PCIe 5.0 slot alongside high-speed DDR5 memory up to 7200+ MHz.
- You want 2.5Gbps wired LAN combined with Wi-Fi 6E wireless.
- You run an Intel 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen processor on an ATX board.
Skip if
- You require PCIe 5.0 M.2 NVMe storage support.
- You need faster than 2.5Gbps integrated Ethernet networking.
Verdict: MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi ATX Motherboard delivers a stable 16+1+1 power phase layout and PCIe 5.0 support for LGA 1700 Intel processors. It serves as a balanced Z790 foundation if Gen 4 M.2 storage meets your build requirements.
MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard
Best for: LGA 1700 builds needing PCIe 5.0
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Ethernet Speed
- 2.5Gbps LAN
This MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi is an ATX motherboard built around the LGA 1700 socket. It supports 12th and 13th Generation Intel Core processors paired with DDR5 system memory. You get high-bandwidth PCIe 5.0 expansion support alongside multiple M.2 slots for storage drives. Wired 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E handle networking tasks. It suits you if you want a dedicated modern Intel gaming platform with fast connectivity.
Pros
- PCIe 5.0 expansion support
- DDR5 memory compatibility
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN networking
- Multiple M.2 high-speed storage slots
Cons
- Renewed product rather than brand-new factory unit
- Data lists support only up to 13th Gen Intel processors
Good fit if
- You need PCIe 5.0 expansion and DDR5 memory on an LGA 1700 platform.
- You want both Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps wired LAN connections.
Skip if
- You require a brand-new retail unit instead of a renewed model.
- You need out-of-the-box confirmed support for 14th Gen Intel processors.
Verdict: MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR5 Motherboard delivers core PCIe 5.0 performance and DDR5 memory support for LGA 1700 processors. It provides balanced high-speed networking and multiple M.2 storage options for your desktop build.
MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard
Best for: budget-focused LGA 1700 DDR5 gaming builds
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Chipset
- Z790
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6E
This MSI Gaming Plus board gives you a Z790 platform for Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors on the LGA 1700 socket. It pairs DDR5 memory support with a PCIe 5.0 slot for high-bandwidth components. Built in an ATX form factor, it includes 2.5Gbps Ethernet and integrated Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. It suits you if you want core Z790 specs without premium flagship extras.
Pros
- Supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors on LGA 1700
- Includes PCIe 5.0 interface support
- Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet
- Supports modern DDR5 system memory
Cons
- Lacks wired networking speeds above 2.5Gbps
- Uses Wi-Fi 6E instead of Wi-Fi 7
Good fit if
- You want an ATX board with DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 support.
- You use an Intel 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen LGA 1700 processor.
Skip if
- You require wired networking faster than 2.5Gbps.
- You need the newer Wi-Fi 7 wireless standard.
Verdict: MSI Gaming Plus Z790 ATX Motherboard provides essential LGA 1700 platform features, including PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and Wi-Fi 6E. It delivers the core Z790 specification set for standard ATX builds.
ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F ATX Motherboard
Best for: DDR5 gaming builds with 12th Gen CPUs
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Chipset
- Z690
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 4
The ASUS ROG Strix Z690 ATX Motherboard gives you a premium platform built around the Intel Z690 chipset and LGA 1700 socket. It pairs a 16+1 power stage delivery system with DDR5 memory support and a PCIe 5.0 expansion slot. Four onboard M.2 slots supply ample high-speed storage. You also get integrated WiFi 6E and 2.5 Gb Ethernet. This board fits your build if you want high-end ROG features for 12th Gen Intel processors.
Pros
- 16+1 power stages with ProCool II power connector
- PCIe 5.0 expansion slot and DDR5 memory support
- Four onboard M.2 slots with dedicated heatsinks
- Onboard WiFi 6E and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet
Cons
- Product specifications list support only for 12th Gen Intel CPUs
- Built on the Z690 chipset rather than the newer Z790
Good fit if
- You run a 12th Gen Intel processor and want DDR5 memory support.
- You require four onboard M.2 slots for high-speed storage.
- You need networking options that include WiFi 6E and 2.5 Gb Ethernet.
Skip if
- You want an updated Intel Z790 chipset motherboard.
- You require guaranteed out-of-the-box support for newer processor generations.
Verdict: ASUS ROG Strix Z690 ATX Motherboard delivers robust 16+1 power delivery, DDR5 speeds, and four M.2 slots for high-end LGA 1700 builds. It serves as a spec-heavy alternative when you want premium ROG features on a Z690 base.
ASUS ROG Strix Z690 ATX Motherboard
Best for: LGA 1700 multi-drive DDR5 gaming builds
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 5
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6E
This ATX board gives you an LGA 1700 socket with Intel Z690 chipset architecture and DDR5 memory support. It features an 18+1 power stage delivery system, PCIe 5.0 expansion, and support for up to five M.2 drives via the included ROG Hyper M.2 card. With built-in Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 GbE networking, it suits your high-bandwidth gaming setup.
Pros
- 18+1 90A power stages with ProCool II power connectors
- Supports up to five M.2 slots using the bundled ROG Hyper M.2 card
- PCIe 5.0 support for graphics and M.2 storage
- Integrated Wi-Fi 6E and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet
Cons
- Reaching five M.2 drives requires the bundled add-in expansion card
- Rear video output supports HDMI 2.0 rather than HDMI 2.1
Good fit if
- You want an LGA 1700 board with an 18+1 power stage setup for multi-core processors.
- You plan to configure DDR5 memory alongside PCIe 5.0 storage.
- You need multiple M.2 drives and can accommodate an add-in card.
Skip if
- You require an onboard HDMI 2.1 port for integrated display output.
- You want all five M.2 drives mounted directly on the motherboard PCB.
Verdict: ASUS ROG Strix Z690 DDR5 ATX Motherboard delivers an 18+1 power design, PCIe 5.0 support, and extensive M.2 drive expandability for LGA 1700 systems. It is a solid foundation if you want fast Wi-Fi 6E and DDR5 performance.
ASUS ROG Strix LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard
Best for: DDR5 builds needing five M.2 slots
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 5
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6E
This ATX gaming board runs 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1700 socket. You get an 18+1 90A power stage setup, PCIe 5.0 support, and DDR5 memory compatibility. It houses five M.2 slots for storage drives alongside Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E. It fits your build if you want expansive storage options and robust multi-core processor delivery.
Pros
- Five onboard M.2 slots with heatsinks
- 18+1 90A power stages for LGA 1700 processors
- PCIe 5.0 support and DDR5 memory capability
- Onboard Wi-Fi 6E and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet
Cons
- Networking caps at 2.5 GbE rather than 5 GbE or 10 GbE
- Uses Wi-Fi 6E instead of Wi-Fi 7
Good fit if
- You need five M.2 storage slots on a single ATX board.
- You plan to run a 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Intel CPU on DDR5.
- You want an 18+1 power stage delivery system.
Skip if
- You require factory-integrated Wi-Fi 7 hardware.
- You need wired LAN speeds higher than 2.5 Gbps.
Verdict: ASUS ROG Strix DDR5 ATX Motherboard delivers expansive five-slot M.2 storage and an 18+1 power design for Intel LGA 1700 systems. It provides balanced high-tier connectivity with PCIe 5.0, DDR5, and Wi-Fi 6E.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | ASUS ROG Maximus DDR5 ATX Motherboard | MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi ATX Motherboard | MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard | MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard | ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F ATX Motherboard | ASUS ROG Strix Z690 ATX Motherboard | ASUS ROG Strix LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | not specified | Z790 | not specified | Z790 | Z690 | not specified | not specified |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX |
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| M.2 Slots | 5 | not specified | not specified | not specified | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | WiFi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Ethernet Speed | 2.5 GbE | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps LAN | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gb | 2.5 GbE | 2.5 GbE |
| Power Phases | 20+1 | 16+1+1 | not specified | not specified | 16+1 | 18+1 | 18+1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Use Case | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming |
| Dimensions | 12.2 × 4.5 × 14.6 inches | 12 × 9.6 × 2.5 inches | 2.76 × 1.97 × 0.39 inches | not specified | 13.3 × 10.7 × 2.7 inches | 14.4 × 12.2 × 4.5 inches | 10.8 × 3.03 × 13.5 inches |
| Weight | 9.3 pounds | 4.5 pounds | 3.92 pounds | not specified | 2.99 pounds | 6 pounds | 12 ounces |
| Size | Z790 Hero|M.2 x5|WiFi 6E| | ATX | not specified | ATX | 12"x9.6" | not specified | Z790-E|M.2 x5|WiFi 6E|ATX |
| Color | BLACK | Multicolor | Black | Black | not specified | not specified | BLACK |
| Model | ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO | MPG Z790 Edge | Z790 | MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI-AMZ | ROG STRIX Z690-F GAMING WIFI | ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING WIFI | ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI |
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Frequently asked questions
Which motherboard offers the best power delivery for LGA 1700 builds?
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero provides a heavy-duty 20+1 power delivery layout. This robust design supports demanding Intel processors on the LGA 1700 socket. It ensures stable performance for high-end gaming and productivity tasks without throttling under load.
What is the best alternative for users needing extensive M.2 storage?
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is the top choice for extensive storage needs. It includes five M.2 slots, allowing for significant drive expansion. This makes it ideal for users building systems that require large amounts of fast NVMe storage capacity.
Which board provides the most balanced performance for standard gaming builds?
The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi serves as a balanced foundation for gaming. It features a 16+1+1 power phase layout and PCIe 5.0 support. This configuration offers reliable performance for LGA 1700 processors while maintaining a reasonable size and weight profile.
Are there options with Wi-Fi 6E for modern connectivity?
Most listed alternatives include Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless connections. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi, and MSI Gaming Plus Z790 all support this standard. This ensures low-latency wireless networking for gaming and streaming applications.
Which motherboard supports PCIe 5.0 for future-proofing?
All listed motherboards support PCIe 5.0 for next-generation components. The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR5 and ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi both feature this standard. This allows you to use the latest high-speed GPUs and storage drives as they become available.
What is the best budget-friendly choice for LGA 1700 builds?
The MSI Gaming Plus Z790 ATX Motherboard is the best budget option. It delivers core Z790 specifications, including PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory support. This board provides essential features for gaming without the premium costs associated with higher-tier models.
Which boards are suitable for builds using 12th Gen Intel CPUs?
The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming WiFi and ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi are suitable for 12th Gen processors. Both use the LGA 1700 socket and support DDR5 memory. They offer robust power delivery and extensive connectivity for older generation Intel chips.
Which motherboard has the most M.2 slots for drive expansion?
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi both offer five M.2 slots. This provides maximum flexibility for installing multiple high-speed NVMe drives. It is ideal for users who need to store large libraries of games or media files.