ASUS Unveils ROG Maximus, ROG Strix, TUF Gaming, Prime, and ProArt Z890 Motherboards

ASUS today unveiled a lineup of Z890 motherboards from the ROG Maximus, ROG Strix, TUF Gaming, Prime and ProArt families, supporting Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2).

ASUS is marking the occasion with all-new motherboard features that accelerate performance and streamline the build process. ASUS AI Advisor is a new natural-language build assistant powered by AI. AEMP III, NitroPath DRAM Technology and DIMM Fit unleash DDR5 memory kits. NPU Boost provides overclocking of the integrated NPU in an Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) CPU for accelerated AI performance[i]. ROG M.2 PowerBoost provides more M.2 slots on a motherboard than ever before. On top of all that, there is Thunderbolt 5, WiFi 7 and new PC DIY features to discuss.

Primed to perform with Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) in a new socket

Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) use the new LGA 1851 socket. Users of these processors will need an Intel 800 series motherboard to use one, and a Z890 motherboard specifically to take advantage of CPU overclocking. These options feature up to 24 cores in a new disaggregated architecture. Performance-cores, aka P-cores, take center stage with their high clock rates, while a cluster of Efficient-cores, aka E-cores, provide high-end multithreaded performance.

Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) bring a wealth of next-gen improvements, starting with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) built to quickly and efficiently handle neural network workloads. With peak theoretical performance of 13 TOPS, Intel Deep Learning Boost (VNNA, DP4A) and GNA 3.5 AI Processing, this NPU ensures users have nimble performance for AI right out of the box.

To help users do even more with the integrated NPU, ASUS Z890 motherboards feature NPU Boost. This BIOS feature overclocks the NPU with just few steps, increasing performance in AI-powered apps and features by up to 24% so that users can freely explore, dream and create.

With this new generation of CPUs, Intel is also increasing integrated graphics performance with its Xe LPG architecture. Equipped for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 (FRL), this iGPU lets users connect a high-resolution display without installing a graphics card.

ASUS Z890 motherboards also include a wealth of connectivity options: abundant USB ports, high-speed networking, plentiful M.2 slots and more. The expanded I/O provided by Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) and the latest chipset makes it possible. Up to 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes from the CPU and increased PCIe  4.0 lanes from the chipset enable ASUS to offer users even more options for connecting hardware to their new system.

Ready for advanced AI PCs

ASUS Z890 motherboards prepare users for everything AI has to offer. They are armed with support for high-performance DDR5 memory modules, and they offer the options users need for constructing a spacious and speedy storage array. Since many AI workflows can leverage the power of multiple graphics cards working in tandem, ASUS offers four motherboards with a pair of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots that can be run in an x8/x8 configuration: the ROG Maximus Z890 Extreme, ROG Maximus Z890 Apex and ProArt Z890-Creator WiFi.

But an AI PC does not just run AI apps and assistants. It uses AI (and similar technologies) behind the scenes to streamline everything about using a PC. For the Z890 series, ASUS has harnessed the power of AI to give users a dedicated technical assistant that is always available to answer questions: the ASUS AI Advisor.

Owners of compatible ASUS motherboards can interact with this AI-powered technology using natural language to learn more about their hardware. For DIY beginners, it can provide easy-to-understand explanations of one-click optimization features like AI Overclocking and AI Cooling II. And for seasoned PC-building veterans, it can offer guidance and instructions on the latest features offered by ASUS.

The smart controls available with ASUS Z890 motherboards let users optimize the performance of their PC with just one click.

• AI Overclocking: Powered by exhaustive research and characterization of the performance potential of actual CPUs in ASUS testing labs, this tool boosts CPU clocks with just one click. AI Overclocking’s sophisticated intelligence also monitors the efficiency of a CPU cooler and changes in the operating environment of a system to tune its parameters over time for the best performance with a system’s unique set of components.
• AI Cooling II: AI Cooling II gives users an easy tool for getting effective airflow under load and quiet operation during light tasks, even for builders who opt for higher-RPM case fans. It uses CPU monitoring information and data from a brief stress test to calculate the lowest fan speed required to effectively cool a system — while minimizing noise levels. This fan control system can reduce system fan noise by up to 5.7dB(A) under sustained loads.
• AI Networking II: Through AI Networking II, an AI PC can optimize network settings to ensure smooth online gameplay, uninterrupted creativity and seamless sharing. Integrated into the Armoury Crate app, AI Networking II uses AI-enhanced identification and boost technology to ensure faster and smarter network optimization. The new Traffic Monitor feature tracks current WiFi channel usage and makes it easy to switch to a less-congested channel.

New tools to unleash DDR5 memory kits 

For enthusiasts chasing the highest memory overclocks, ASUS is deploying a revolutionary DRAM slot design in three Z890 motherboards. Available on the ROG Maximus Z890 Extreme, ROG Maximus Z890 Hero and ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi, this new NitroPath DRAM Technology offers enhanced slot-retention force, and it also reduces noise interference via shorter gold finger pins and optimized signal pathways within the motherboard. The optimized layout ensures faster data transfers between the DRAM and CPU, maximizing a system’s overall performance.

When it comes to memory, there are some new kits on the block that are making headlines. This new variety of DIMM, called Clock Unbuffered DIMM (CUDIMM), features an integrated clock driver on the memory stick itself for improved reliability and stability at high memory speeds.

For users who are concerned about what the process of optimizing these new kits will look like, ASUS Z890 motherboards make it easy with ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile III (AEMP III). This advanced firmware feature empowers users to achieve unparalleled memory performance with cutting-edge CUDIMM memory. Through a two-phase comprehensive tuning process, AEMP III first optimizes the clock driver and then the memory frequency. This results in the best balance between performance and stability, even at cutting-edge speeds of DDR5-8000 or higher.

For builders who choose traditional UDIMM memory, AEMP II profiles make it easy to optimize memory performance, even with PMIC-restricted memory modules that do not provide an XMP or EXPO profile. Additionally, AEMP II lets users optimize complex memory configurations that include mixed brands and dies, provided the modules share the same capacity. This lets users expand memory capacity easily and still achieve fine-tuned performance.

Getting a memory kit up-to-speed with an XMP profile is fast and easy, but taking the next step toward perfectly optimized memory settings can feel like an endless process of trial and error. To streamline the process, ASUS is introducing DIMM Fit. This ASUS-exclusive BIOS feature precisely analyzes individual memory modules to pinpoint potential issues and optimize performance for peak efficiency, compatibility and system stability. Because memory testing takes time, the process can take hours instead of minutes. But if a user is close to memory optimization nirvana, DIMM Fit can help them find an additional bump in stability so that they can achieve sustained performance at higher frequencies or tighter timings.

Here are the full specs for each board.