ROG Maximus Z690 Hero (LGA1700): How to choose your motherboard?

As part of the operation ASUS PCDIY, that we made with ASUS ROG, it was a question of mounting a complete and identifiable / purchasable configuration directly from their site. More information in our article: Build your PC Gamer well in 2022.

Identify its components

As with many configurations, it is the whole that governs the choice of component. For the motherboardalmost all the elements of your configuration are to be taken into account:

• The processor : the ROG Maximus Z690 Hero (LGA1700) notifies us of the CPU socket. The latter, written in parentheses, gives compatibility with a certain type of processor (CPU). It is essential to ensure compatibility between processor and motherboard (CM) otherwise it will be impossible for you to use your computer or even, to install the CPU on your CM.

• DRAMs: For the choice of your CM, it is advisable to know in advance the number of strips that you intend to install, but also the desired power. Indeed, not all CMs accept the same maximum frequencies and are even blocked on a capacity not to be exceeded per slot.

• Connectivity: Whether for the graphics card, the acquisition card or even the SSDs, knowing the desired number as well as the associated connections is a plus. Indeed, depending on the elements chosen, the speeds of use as well as the performances are governed exclusively by the motherboard. Taking an M2 NVme Gen4 SSD on a port that only accepts Gen3 would limit the SSD to a read/write speed lower than that announced by the latter’s manufacturer.

Finally, some features are more associated with ease of use, such as having Wi-Fi or the number of USB ports available, RGB feedback directly available on the CPU or even specific ports such as Thunderbolt or USB-ports. C (small and oval in shape). Take the time to accurately identify the features you need.

The size of the cards

To make it easier for everyone to find their way around, but also to avoid too wide a variety of peripherals, motherboards are standardized in three formats. Although we will not go into detail on them, it is important to know them and their names. The form factor determines the size of the case you need, the style of cooling as well as the number of components that can be equipped. It’s up to you to choose according to the desired use or mobility of your configuration.

The chipsets

Backbone of your motherboard, the chipset defines the number of features and connectors available on it. They also set your CM’s call price accordingly. Here is a brief description of the differences between Intel chipset series:

• Z-series
  • Overclocking support for processors with the “K” designation
  • Maximum of 24 PCIe lanes
  • Up to six USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports.
• H-Series
  • No overclocking support
  • Maximum of 20 PCIe lanes
  • Up to four USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports.
• B-series
  • No overclocking support
  • Maximum of 20 PCIe lanes
  • USB 3.0 ports only

Overview ROG Maximus Z690 Hero (LGA1700)

As part of the ASUS PCDIY operation, our configuration was equipped with a ROG Maximus Z690 Hero (LGA1700).

socket and bracket

• Socket:
  • LGA 1700 for 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors
  • ASUS LANGuard
• Dram Slots:
  • Dual-Channel, DDR5 4x DIMMs

LAN and Wireless

• LAN:
  • 1x Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet
  • ASUS LANGuard
• Wireless network:
  • Intel WiFi 6E
  • 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
  • Supports 2.4/5/6GHz
  • Bluetooth v5.2

Video connectors

• 1x HDMI port
• 2x Intel Thunderbolt 4 ports
• 2x Intel Thunderbolt
• 4 ports (USB Type-C) DisplayPort 1.4 support and Thunderbolt video output
• 4K60Hz support as specified for HDMI 2.1.
• 2x Intel Thunderbolt 4 ports

USB Ports

• Rear USB: Total of 11 ports
  • 2x Thunderbolt 4 Port (2x USB Type-C)
  • 7 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (6 x Type-A + 1 x USB Type-C)
  • 2 x USB 2.0 ports (2 x Type-A)
• USB front: Total of 9 ports
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connector (supports USB Type-C)
  • Additional 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
  • 2 x additional USB 2.0 4 USB 2.0 ports

Contents :

• Cables:
  • 1 x ARGB RGB extension cable
  • 1 x RGB extension cable
  • 4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable
  • ROG Hyper M.2 Card
  • 1 x ROG Hyper M.2 card with cooling
  • 2 x M.2 screw packs for ROG Hyper M.2 Card
• Various :
  • 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi Mobile Antenna
  • 1 x M.2 locking screw
  • 2 x M.2 locking screw M.2 additional support.
  • 1 x M.2 protective rubber
  • 1 x Q connector
  • 1 x ROG graphics card holder
  • 1x ROG stickers
  • 1 x ROG keychain
  • 1 x ROG Thank You Card
• For installation:
  • 1 x USB key with drivers and startup utilities
• Documents:

With a call price of €669, the ROG Maximus Z690 Hero (LGA1700) is not within everyone’s reach. That said, it has a substantial panel of technologies which, in addition to providing a certain comfort in use, allows the demand for power to be pushed to its maximum. For tighter budgets, Asus ROG has several fairly similar ranges, but equipped with more or less frills or number of components. Indeed, to lighten the budget without losing too much in performance, we note the withdrawal of the RGB aspect (Aura Sync) or reducing the number of M2 ports/connectors. What to find happiness in a more affordable price.

Alternative Asus/ROG ranges

ASUS Prime Z690-P Wi-Fi

Although stamped 690, this motherboard does not provide exactly the same characteristics. It also has a heatsink, but for only two of the four M.2 slots available. In addition, we find fewer USB ports on the front and back. You would have understood it, a powerful motherboard, but which has a little less technology to make its price more accessible. However, we note the DDR5 compatibility on 4 dual-channel slots as well as a Wi-Fi antenna.

ASUS ROG Strix Z690-G

Here we find the famous DDR5 with PCIe 5.0 and LGA 1700 support for the processor. The notable differences are the number and power of available PCIe ports.

• Strix
  • 1x PCIe 5.0
  • 1x PCIe 3.0 x16
  • 1x PCIe 3.0 x1
• Maximus
  • 2x PCIe 5.0 x16
  • 1x PCIe 4.0 x16

Only three M.2 equipped with heatsinks and six power phases less. Fewer USB ports (10 here). A space dedicated to the supply of a pump in less as well as other small differences less notable. As said above, it is much more about ease of use with higher speeds and cadences for the Maximus. The ROG Stric is therefore an excellent alternative at a reduced price.