Test Setup
Intel has come a long way with their mainstream processor platform. The platform has largely seen stagnation in terms of core and thread count over many generations since the first Core series CPU that launched back in 2010 but last year brought a big change to the CPU giant. What seemed to be a generational core clock bump has now turned into a generational core count bump while keeping the clock speed improvements.
The Coffee Lake-S 8th Generation family, was the first big core count jump on the mainstream 300 series platform. It was an opportunity for Intel to show that they don't only hold the IPC or clock speed advantage on the mainstream segment but they can also offer good multi-threading CPU performance. While the jump to 6 cores and 12 threads was great, the competition was offering up to 8 cores and 16 threads on their mainstream platform.
Intel is now unleashing their own 8 core parts with their new 9th Generation lineup, also known as the Coffee Lake Refresh. The interesting part is that while there is the famous Core i7 SKU with 8 cores, they are also launching their first mainstream Core i9 part with 8 cores. Both parts are very interesting in their own right and the price to performance difference is something which gamers have been looking forward to, especially when Intel is terming the Core i9 SKU as the best gaming processor on the planet, which is something I'd extensively be looking into in the performance benchmarks.
At the same time as the CPUs launched, motherboard partners of Intel also released a wide range of Z390 chipset based products. These products range from budget to mainstream and go all the way to the high-end tier, offering diverse designs and features, aimed at overclockers, gamers and both.
Today, I will be taking a look a the ASUS ROG Maximus XI HERO (WI-FI) and the ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming motherboards. These two motherboards retail for $289.99 US and $244.99 US each. The prime target of both ROG series motherboards is the Gaming market which has been clearly highlighted by the ASUS marketing department. I will also be taking a look at the entire feature set that is packed on these motherboards to see which one offers the best value.
Intel Z390 Express Chipset - The Top 300-Series PCH
Since the launch of Coffee Lake processors, Intel is also offering a new platform that is marked under the 300-series family. The Intel 300 series platform features several chipset SKUs but the top of the line is the Z390 PCH which replaces the Z370 PCH as the flagship mainstream SKU.
The Z390 platform is designed to support both 8th and 9th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs. Since the new processors are part of a refresh, Intel did not restrict 9th Gen compatibility to just Z390 boards or 8th Gen compatibility to just Z370 boards. We have more details on this in the LGA 1151 socket section so here, we will be taking a look at the Z390 feature set and what it offers over the previous 200 and 100 series platforms.
Intel Z390 PCH Features:
The 9th gen desktop platform has a range of new features that mainly include:
- First performance Intel Core i9 desktop S-series processor
- Up to 8 cores
- Intel Z390 chipset compatible
- Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM)
- Intel Wireless-AC 802.11 AC and Bluetooth 5.0
- Intel Wireless-AC Adapter
- Up To 6 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Ports
- Up to 16 threads, 5.0 GHz, 16 MB cache, and 40 platform PCIe lanes (16 CPU + 24 PCH)
- 9th Gen CPUs Compatible with all Intel 300 series chipsets
- Intel Optane memory and Intel Optane SSD support
- Thunderbolt 3 support
Intel Desktop Platform Chipset Comparison
| Chipset Name | Arrow Lake-S (ARL-S) PCH / 800 Series (Z890) | Raptor Lake-S (RPL-S) PCH / 700 Series (Z790) | Alder Lake-S (ADL-S) PCH / 600 Series (Z690) | Rocket Lake-S (RKL-S) PCH / 500 Series (Z590) | Comet Lake-S (CML-S) PCH / 400 Series (Z490) | Coffee Lake S (CFL-S) PCH / 300 Series (Z390/H370, B360, Q370, H310) | Coffee Lake S (KBL-R) PCH / Z370 Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Process Node | 7nm | 14nm | 14nm | 14nm | 14nm | 14nm | 22nm |
| Processor | 24C, 20C, 14C, 12C, TBD) | 24,16C,12C,10C,6C,4C | 16C,12C,10C,6C,4C (Full corporate/consumer SKU stack at launch) | 8C, 6C (Full corporate/consumer SKU stack at launch) | 10C, 8C, 6C, 4C, 2C (Full corporate/consumer SKU stack at launch) | 8C, 6C, 4C, 2C (Full corporate/consumer SKU stack at launch) | 8C, 6C, 4C (6 Consumer SKUs at Launch) |
| Memory | Up To DDR5-6400 (Native) | Up To DDR5-5600 (Native) Up To DDR4-3200 (Native) | Up To DDR5-4800 (Native) Up To DDR4-3200 (Native) | Up To DDR4-3200 (Native) | Up To DDR4-2933 (Native) | Up To DDR4-2666 (Native) | Up To DDR4-2666 (Native) |
| Media, Display & Audio | eDP / 4DDI (DP, HDMI) Display Capabilities | eDP / 4DDI (DP, HDMI) Display Capabilities | eDP / 4DDI (DP, HDMI) Display Capabilities | DP 1.2 & HDMI 2.0, HBR3 HDCP 2.2 (HDMI 2.0a w/LSPCON) 12-bit AV1/HEVC & VP9 10-bit Enc/Dec, HDR, Rec.2020, DX12 Integrated Dual-Core Audio DSP With USB Audio offload SoundWire Digital Audio Interface | DP 1.2 & HDMI 1.4 HDCP 2.2 (HDMI 2.0a w/LSPCON) HEVC & VP9 10-bit Enc/Dec, HDR, Rec.2020, DX12 Integrated Dual-Core Audio DSP SoundWire Digital Audio Interface | DP 1.2 & HDMI 1.4 HDCP 2.2 (HDMI 2.0a w/LSPCON) HEVC & VP9 10-bit Enc/Dec, HDR, Rec.2020, DX12 Integrated Dual-Core Audio DSP SoundWire Digital Audio Interface | DP 1.2 & HDMI 1.4 HDCP 2.2 (HDMI 2.0a w/LSPCON) HEVC & VP9 10-bit Enc/Dec, HDR, Rec.2020, DX12 Integrated Dual-Core Audio DSP |
| I/O & Connectivity | Integrated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20G) Integrated Intel Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi6E/ 7 BT CNVio) with Gig+ Integrated SDXC 4.0 Controller Thunderbolt 4.0 | Integrated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20G) Integrated Intel Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi6E/ 7 BT CNVio) with Gig+ Integrated SDXC 4.0 Controller Thunderbolt 4.0 | Integrated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20G) Integrated Intel Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi6E/ 7 BT CNVio) with Gig+ Integrated SDXC 4.0 Controller Thunderbolt 4.0 | Integrated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20G) Integrated Intel Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi6E/ BT CNVi) Integrated SDXC 3.0 Controller Thunderbolt 4.0 (Maple Ridge) | Integrated USB 3.2 Gen 2 Integrated Intel Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi / BT CNVi) Integrated SDXC 3.0 Controller Thunderbolt 3.0 (Titan Ridge) w/ DP 1.4 | Integrated USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Integrated Intel Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi / BT CNVi) Integrated SDXC 3.0 Controller Thunderbolt 3.0 (Titan Ridge) w/ DP 1.4 | Integrated USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Thunderbolt 3.0 (Alpine Ridge) |
| Storage | PCIe 5.0 (CPU Lanes), 8x SATA 3.0 | Next-Gen Intel Optane memory PCIe 5.0 (CPU Lanes), 6x SATA 3.0 | Next-Gen Intel Optane memory PCIe 5.0, 6x SATA 3.0 | Next-Gen Intel Optane memory PCIe 4.0, 6x SATA 3.0 | Next-Gen Intel Optane memory PCIe 3.0, 6x SATA 3.0 | Next Gen Intel Optane memory PCIe 3.0, 6x SATA 3.0 | Next Gen Intel Optane memory PCIe 3.0, 6x SATA 3.0 |
| Max PCH PCIe Lanes | Up To 24 (Gen 4) | Up To 20 (Gen 4) Up To 8 (Gen 3) | Up To 12 (Gen 4) Up To 16 (Gen 3) | Up To 24 (Gen 3) | Up To 24 (Gen 3) | Up To 24 (Gen 3) | Up To 24 (Gen 3) |
| Max CPU PCIe Lanes | Up To 20 (Gen 5) Up To 4 (Gen 4) | Up To 16 (Gen 5) Up To 4 (Gen 4) | Up To 16 (Gen 5) Up To 4 (Gen 4) | Up To 20 (Gen 4) | Up To 16 (Gen 3) | Up To 16 (Gen 3) | Up To 16 (Gen 3) |
| Max USB Ports | Up To 5 (USB 3.2 Gen 2z2) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x1) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) | Up To 5 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x1) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) | Up To 4 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x1) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) | Up To 3 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x1) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) | Up To 10 (USB 3.2) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) | Up To 10 (USB 3.1) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) | Up To 10 (USB 3.0) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) |
| Security | Intel TET Intel Boot Guard | N/A | N/A | N/A | Intel SGX 1.0 | Intel SGX 1.0 | Intel SGX 1.0 |
| Power Management | C10 & S0ix Support for Modern Standby | C10 & S0ix Support for Modern Standby | C10 & S0ix Support for Modern Standby | C10 & S0ix Support for Modern Standby | C10 & S0ix Support for Modern Standby | C10 & S0ix Support for Modern Standby | C8 Support |
| Launch | 2024 | 2022 | 2021 | 2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
Intel LGA 1151 Socket Again - Now With 9th Generation Processor Support
Intel isn't moving away from the LGA 1151 socket anytime soon. We are once again looking at the same socket which has been doing the rounds in the mainstream market since 2015. There is, however, a major difference. There's no backward compatibility with Skylake and Kaby Lake processors.
That brings us to the next significant detail about the Intel 300-series platform. Intel is confirming that the 9th Gen Coffee Lake processors retain compatibility with the 300-series chipset. It's nice to see compatibility retained but it was also expected since 9th Gen is a refresh of Coffee Lake CPUs and high-end motherboards based on the Z370 chipset still allow for full overclocking support on the 8 core processors, even though the Z390 series is tailored around those CPUs with better PWM supplies.
A more detailed analysis was posted by David Schor a few days ago which confirms the change in pin configuration on Coffee Lake processors. This allows support for both 8th and 9th Gen CPUs without any major issues.
According to David, the reason we don't have Coffee Lake processors compatible with older series motherboards that feature the LGA 1151 socket is the change in pins. For instance, if the pin config changes on a processor, the sockets on the motherboard need to be configured as such. It's not a process that can be done via software as its more of a hardware level change.
When compared, the Coffee Lake processors have 391 VSS (Ground) pins which is an increase of 14 compared to Kaby Lake, 146 VCC (Electrical) pins which is an increase of 18 pins compared to Kaby Lake and about 25 pins that are reserved and a decrease of 21 pins from the 46 reserved on Kaby Lake.
Kaby Lake -> Coffee Lake
- VSS (Ground): 377 -> 391 (+14)
- VCC (Power): 128 -> 146 (+18)
- RSVD: 46 ->25
Intel LGA 1151 CPU Pin Configuration (Coffee Lake vs Kaby Lake):
So one thing is clear, Intel was, in fact, telling the truth about electrical changes to the processors and socket in the 300-series platform. Furthermore, it's not just the reserved pins from Kaby Lake that have simply been populated. There are pins aside the reserved ones that were swapped with VCC pins and indicate a design tweak.
While we can put many theories to rest with this new detail, I think much of the confusion could have just been avoided if Intel clarified this themselves. Of course, if you are making the boards with a new PCH and new series of processors on the same socket that ran the previous CPU line, consumers would definitely want to know more about why the new platform that has the same socket cannot support their older chips. We previously heard about the LGA 1151 V2 naming scheme and that may have sorted some confusion but as we can tell, all motherboards still use the LGA 1151 naming scheme which may lead to people thinking that their 6th and 7th generation processors can run on the newer boards.
Cooler Compatibility With LGA 1151 Socket
Keeping the same socket has some advantages in the form of cooler compatibility. All users who are running the LGA 1151 socket or even LGA 1150 boards can use the same cooler on the Z390 boards without any hassle. The socket has the same dimensions and no changes are made aside from electrical changes that are specific to socket and processor pins. The socket assembly and mounting remain the same.
Intel does offer a separate boxed cooler but it will be a much better choice to get an AIB cooling solution since those offer better cooling performance. It is recommended for the unlocked SKUs that users run them on a high-end air cooler or liquid cooling solution. Custom loop cooling will deliver even better results.
First of all, what is Coffee Lake? In simple terms, Coffee Lake is an improved Kaby Lake that has been made possible with the latest 14nm++ process node. Intel briefed the press that their new Coffee Lake Refresh is on the same architectural level as Kaby Lake (which is similar to Skylake) with no changes at all.
Aside from that, the new 14nm process allows for improved power efficiency and higher clock speeds. There's a reason that Intel is bumping up the core count across their entire range of processors. Under the same 95W package, Intel is now offering up to 8 cores and 16 threads on their Core i9 SKUs, 8 cores and 8 threads on their Core i7 SKUs, and 6 cores and 6 threads on their Core i5 SKUs.
Actual power consumption may vary during testing real-world applications since Intel lists the TDP at the base clock which means power consumption at boost clocks would vary so it's very workload dependent. You will also note that Intel has given a fairly good bump to both CPU and integrated GPU clock speeds which is only possible with the new and improved 14nm++ process.
Intel Coffee Lake CPUs Have 16 PCIe 3.0 Lanes, PCH Supports 24 PCIe 3.0 Lanes - These Make Up The 40 PCIe Platform Lanes
Now one thing you might have noticed in other articles is that they state the Intel Coffee Lake platform will feature 40 PCIe Lanes. That's true but not entirely an accurate representation. As you see, Intel does have 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes on their upcoming family but those are a combination of CPU and PCH lanes. All Coffee Lake CPUs feature 16 PCIe Gen 3.0 lanes while the Z390 PCH features 24 PCIe 3.0 lanes. These make up the 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes that Intel claims of.
This means that people can add in two GPUs for SLI or mGPU support which will be given to the CPU while PCH can allow for additional devices such as PCIe / M.2 storage or Intel Optane support.
The Intel 9th Gen, Unlocked Core Desktop Family Full Specifications and Prices
Intel is initially launching three "K" unlocked CPUs in the 9th Gen Core lineup. As of right now, the 9th Gen unlocked family consists of the Core i9-9900K, Core i7-9700K, and the Core i5-9600K. The processors retail for $488 US for the Core i9, $374 US for the Core i7 and $262 US for the Core i5 SKUs.
Following are the detailed specs for these CPUs:
Intel Core i9-9900K, Intel’s First 8 Core and 16 Thread Mainstream CPU With 4.7 GHz All 8 Core Boost Frequency For $488 US
The Intel Core i9-9900K is the flagship SKU of the 9th Generation Core family. This will be the first mainstream desktop Core i9 part and also the first Intel chip to boast 8 cores and 16 threads. In terms of cache, the chip will feature 16 MB of L3 and will come with an Intel UHD 620 graphics chip.
The clock speeds are something to check out here, we are going to get a 3.6 GHz base clock out of the box and a 5.0 GHz boost clock in single and dual core operations. 4 core boost is rated at 4.8 GHz while 6/8 core boost is rated at 4.7 GHz. This is the highest frequency we have seen on an 8 core part across all cores. All of this is done under a 95W package so we can expect some hefty cooling solutions to go along with this chip.
Intel Core i7-9700K, Intel’s First 8 Core, Core i7 Mainstream Desktop CPU With Up To 4.6 GHz Clocks Across All Cores at $374 US
Coming to the top Core i7 part, we get 8 cores and 8 threads. This the complete opposite of what we have been hearing as previous rumors identified the chip as a 6 core and 12 thread part. The chip will have 12 MB of L3 cache and as you might tell, it has fewer threads than the Core i7-8700K but comes with a higher core count. So, maybe, we will get the same or even better performance from the chip.
In terms of clock speeds, the chip has a base clock of 3.6 GHz and boosts up to 4.9 GHz in single, 4.8 GHz in dual-core, 4.7 GHz in four core and 4.6 GHz in 6/8 core operations. The TDP for this part is maintained at the same 95W.
Intel Core i5-9600K, 6 Cores, and 6 Threads With Higher Clocks Than 8th Generation i5 ‘K” SKU, $262 US Official Price
The Intel Core i5-9600K is a 6 core and 6 thread part with 9 MB of L3 cache. This makes it very similar to the Core i5-8600K. The difference is that it features higher clock speeds of 3.7 GHz base, 4.6 GHz boost (1 core), 4.5 GHz (2 core), 4.4 GHz (4 core) and 4.3 GHz (6 core). All of this is done at the same TDP of 95W.
Intel 9th Generation Core Family CPU Official Specifications:
| Processor Name | Process | Cores / Threads | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Cache | TDP | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i9-9900KS | 14nm++ | 8 / 16 | 3.6 GHz | 5.0 GHz (8 Cores) | 16 MB | 127W | $513 US |
| Core i9-9900K | 14nm++ | 8 / 16 | 3.6 GHz | 5.0 GHz | 16 MB | 95W | $488 US |
| Core i9-9900KF | 14nm++ | 8 / 16 | 3.6 GHz | 5.0 GHz | 16 MB | 95W | $488 US |
| Core i7-9700K | 14nm++ | 8 / 8 | 3.6 GHz | 4.9 GHz | 12 MB | 95W | $374 US |
| Core i7-9700KF | 14nm++ | 8 / 8 | 3.6 GHz | 4.9 GHz | 12 MB | 95W | $374 US |
| Core i5-9600K | 14nm++ | 6 / 6 | 3.7 GHz | 4.6 GHz | 9 MB | 95W | $262 US |
| Core i5-9600KF | 14nm++ | 6 / 6 | 3.7 GHz | 4.6 GHz | 9 MB | 95W | $262 US |
| Core i5-9600 | 14nm++ | 6 / 6 | 3.1 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 9 MB | 65W | TBD |
| Core i5-9500 | 14nm++ | 6 / 6 | 3.0 GHz | 4.3 GHz | 9 MB | 65W | TBD |
| Core i5-9400 | 14nm++ | 6 / 6 | 2.9 GHz | 4.1 GHz | 9 MB | 65W | $182 |
| Core i5-9400T | 14nm++ | 6 / 6 | 1.8 GHz | 3.4 GHz | 9 MB | 35W | TBD |
| Core i3-9350KF | 14nm++ | 4/4 | 4.0 GHz | 4.6 GHz | 8 MB | 91W | TBD |
| Core i3-9100 | 14nm++ | 4 / 4 | TBD | 4.2 GHz | 6 MB | 65W | TBD |
| Core i3-9000 | 14nm++ | 4 / 4 | 3.7 GHz | N/A | 6 MB | 65W | TBD |
| Core i3-9000T | 14nm++ | 4 / 4 | 3.2 GHz | N/A | 6 MB | 35W | TBD |
Intel Details Overclocking and Gaming Performance Figures - Our Advice, Wait For Reviews
Intel also detailed some performance numbers for their Coffee Lake processors. First of all, we have overclocking details. Intel claims that Coffee Lake processors are the best chips designed for overclocking. There is a range of new features supported by the chips which include:
- Per Core Overclocking
- Max Memory Ratio Up To 8400 MT/s
- Real-time Memory Latency Control
- Extended PLL Trim Controls
- Enhanced Package Power Delivery
ASUS sent me two ROG Gaming motherboards for this review, the ROG Maximus XI HERO (Wi-Fi) and the ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming. Both motherboards are aimed at different price points so I'll first talk about the more expensive one that I am testing in this review, the ROG Maximus HERO. This motherboard carries the ROG Maximus XI branding and is the entry-level option in the ROG Maximus brand. From previous testing results, I have seen that the ROG Maximus motherboards carry a gaming design while packing full overclocking capabilities that you'd expect of a high-end motherboard. I think this board would be no exception so let's get on with the specifications.
THE HERO
ROG Maximus XI Hero is the perfect introduction to the Republic of Gamers. It's a Z390 gaming motherboard that packs substantial power, smart cooling and faster memory support under a stealthy skin. Loaded with renowned ROG features, from one-click overclocking and cooling to attention-grabbing Aura Sync illumination, Maximus XI Hero is ready to perform and crafted for customization.
ASUS ROG Maximus XI HERO (Wi-Fi) Motherboard Specifications:
- LGA1151 socket for 9th/8th -gen Intel Core desktop processors
- Synchronized RGB lighting technology works with a vast portfolio of Aura Sync-capable PC gear and includes support for addressable light strips and Philips Hue
- Perfected cooling with dedicated water cooling zones, M.2 heatsink, and various fan controls
- Gaming connectivity: Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LANGaurd, dual M.2, USB 3.1 Gen 2, and 802.11AC Wi-Fi
- 5-way Optimization: Automated system-wide tuning, providing AI Overclocking and cooling profiles tailor-made for your rig
- Gaming Audio: SupremeFX and Sonic Studio III – High fidelity audio that draws you deeper into the action
- Gaming durability: ASUS SafeSlot and premium components for maximum durability
ASUS ROG Maximus XI HERO (Wi-Fi) Motherboard Special Features:
ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5 :
- 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU Insight, EPU Guidance, DIGI+ VRM, Fan Expert 4, and Turbo App
AURA :
- Aura Lighting Control
- Aura RGB Strip Headers
- Aura Lighting Effects Synchronization with compatible ASUS ROG devices
- Aura Addressable Strip Header(s)
ASUS Exclusive Features :
- USB BIOS Flashback
- MemOK! II
- AI Suite 3
- Ai Charger
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- Armoury Crate
- Pre-mounted I/O Shield
- ASUS NODE: hardware control interface
- OptiMem II
- ASUS EZ Flash 3
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
- BUPDATER
- BIOS Flashback Button
- Clear CMOS Button
- Reset Button
ASUS Q-Design :
- ASUS Q-Code
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS ROG Maximus XI HERO (Wi-Fi) Motherboard Gallery:
Starting off with the ROG Maximus XI Hero, we will be getting an updated version of the ROG XI design with the LGA 1151 socket supporting either 8th or 9th Gen processors. The CPU socket is powered by a 8+4 pin connector configuration. The motherboard offers a 8+2+2 Phase DIGI+ VRM which is geared for overclocking while being cooled off by two sets of heatsinks that will be interconnected through heatpipe to dissipate heat much faster.
Four DDR4 DIMM slots offer support for up to 64 GB of memory support at speeds of 4400 MHz (OC+). Storage includes six SATA III ports while expansion capabilities include three PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16/x16/x4 electrical), three PCIe x1 slots and two M.2 slots. All two M.2 slots are covered by the M.2 heatsink which looks fantastic and comes with thermal pads beneath to keep your high-end M.2 storage device running in a stable operation.
On the rear panel, you can find 1 USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type-C) ports, 3 USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type-C) ports, 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports and 2 USB 2.0 ports, BIOS Flashback button, a clear CMOS button, 2x2 WIFI Module which use the Intel CNVi interface 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, supporting 2.4/5 GHz Dual-Band and Bluetooth v5.0, 1 HDMI port, 1 Display Port, 1 RJ-45 (Intel Gigabit) Ethernet LAN port, 1 PS/2, 1 SPDIF optical out port and a 8 channel HD audio jack. The motherboard retails for $289.99 US in the market.
The ROG Maximus XI HERO (Wi-Fi) comes in the standard cardboard package. The front is themed in black and red, a color scheme which has been part of ROG products for a while now. You can also note ASUS ROG logo on the front which looks great and is the first indication that this is the gaming slash enthusiast aimed product.
The front side also lists down support for Intel's 8th generation Core processors, Optane Memory, NVIDIA SLI, AMD Crossfire and ASUS AURA Sync technologies.
The back side of the package lists down the specifications and special features of the motherboard such as the SupremeFX Technology, Pre-mounted I/O shield, M.2 heatsink and RGB addressable headers.
Inside the package is another box which contains the accessories at the bottom and motherboard at the top. It is very easy to access although the accessories are a bit scattered and things could get messy sorting out the various additions.
There are several accessories included in the package. Following is the full list of accessories in the package.
- User's manual
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
- 1 x M.2 Screw Package
- 1 x Supporting DVD
- 1 x ASUS 2T2R dual-band Wi-Fi moving antennas (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant)
- 1 x SLI HB BRIDGE(2-WAY-M)
- 1 x ROG big sticker
- 1 x Q-Connector
- 1 x Extension Cable for RGB strips (80 cm)
- 1 x Extension cable for Addressable LED
- 1 x ROG coaster(s)
The motherboard is housed on the top section, over the accessories and has a plastic cover to protect it.
The ASUS ROG Maximus XI HERO (Wi-Fi) motherboard retains the more modern design scheme that we saw on the last generation Z370 motherboards. Looks are one thing but I am very curious to find out how this performs against the other Z390 boards we have tested in the past few weeks.
The ASUS ROG Maximus XI HERO is styled in black and silver. This is a top-tier product that retails at $290 US so expect lots of features packed inside this motherboard. The motherboard comes in the standard ATX form factor. You can note the aggressive design language of this motherboard all the way from top to bottom and it is something that ASUS ROG Maximus series motherboards are known for.
The board uses the LGA 1151 socket to support Intel Core processors. The socket is compatible with Intel's 8th & 9th Generation core family. The socket has a protective cover on top of it that points out the exclusivity with Coffee Lake CPUs and refrains users from running an older 6th or 7th generation CPU as they won't work with these motherboards at all.
Next to the socket are four DDR4 DIMM slots which can support up to 64 GB dual channel memory. These slots are rated to support XMP profiles up to 4400 MHz (OC Plus). Each slot is labeled, making it easier to install DIMMs in the proper orientation.
The motherboard packs an 8+2+2 Extreme Engine Digi+ VRM supply. The board also uses Micro-Fine Alloy Chokes and 10,000 hours rated black metallic capacitors. All ROG motherboards should ensure top-notch overclocking and the best stability on unlocked 9th and 8th Gen processors. ASUS themselves state that the boards will offer 5 GHz+ overclocking capabilities across all 8 cores using their AI assisted Overclocking technology with 5-Way Optimization.
As you can see, the VRMs are getting ample cooling from the two metallic heatsinks that are beefy in terms of overall size. This motherboard is designed for overclocking so expect stable operation of the electrical circuitry when this board is running.
If you look in closely, the heatsink solution comes with heat pipe cooling that runs across the entire length of the dual heatsinks. This ensures that heat is dissipated faster across the two blocks which offer extra cooling.
ASUS is also using Digital LEDs within the top I/O cover that gives a nice effect, emitting light through the I/O panel and front of the heatsinks when the motherboard is operational.
The CPU is supplied power through an 8+4 pin power connector configuration. This will feed the CPU with over 250W of power. Most Intel CPUs will be shipping with TDPs under 100W but that changes when users overclock since that changes the power limit based on applied voltages and clock speed.
Expansion slots include three PCI Express 3.0 x16 (x16/x16/x4 electrical), three PCI Express 3.0 x1 and two M.2 slots. The board can support 2-way multi-GPU (CrossFireX /SLI/NVLINK). The M.2 slots are rated to support NVMe PCIe gen3 x4 and Intel Optane series memory.
ASUS is using their PCI-E Safe Slots on the sides of the expansion slots which provides protection to some extent. It adds more retention and shearing resistance by reinforcing the slots with metal plates. Aside from adding more protection, they do look really sweet. You can also note that the top two PCIe slots have CPU labels underneath them which shows that they are directly accessing PCIe lanes through the CPU rather than the PCH, making them the most ideal choice for your new GPU.
Both M.2 slots feature the M.2 heatsink that comes with a large metallic plate, acting as a heatsink and further includes a thermal pad that can sustain higher temperatures when storage devices (M.2 SSDs) are stressed for long durations.
The PCH is cooled off by a large metallic heatsink which runs next to the SATA ports. The PCH heatsink has embedded Digital LEDs and provide a good light show for those that are interested in RGBs trend. You can also turn off the LEDs entirely through ASUS's bundled software if you are not a fan of such LEDs.
The PCH heatsink is themed to represent the ASUS ROG Eye logo which offers a nice touch the motherboard.
Storage options include six SATA III ports rated to operate at 6 GB/s. These can support a total of six different storage devices at once. Many fan headers and jumpers can be found beneath the storage ports.
ASUS is using the latest high-end SupremeFX S1220 CODEC which makes use of the ESS ES9023P DAC, Impedance sense for front and rear channels, 120dB SNR stereo playback output, 113dB SNR recording input, Sonic Studio III and Sonic Radar III, to deliver the most high-end, onboard sound system, a motherboard can offer.
The full list of connectors on the motherboard is listed as follows.
- 2 x Aura Addressable Strip Header(s)
- 2 x Aura RGB Strip Headers
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1(up to 5Gbps) connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s) 2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
- 1 x TPM connector(s)
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
- 1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin)
- 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin)
- 3 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (3 x 4 -pin)
- 1 x AIO_PUMP connector (1 x 4 -pin)
- 1 x H_AMP fan connector
- 1 x W_PUMP+ connector (1 x 4 -pin)
- 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
- 1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connectors
- 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
- 1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
- 1 x MemOK! II switch(es)
- 1 x Reset button(s)
- 1 x Node Connector(s)
- 1 x ReTry button
- 1 x System panel connector
- 1 x EXT_Fan header
- 1 x W_IN header
- 1 x W_OUT header
- 1 x W_FLOW header
- 1 x Thermal sensor connector
- 1 x Start button
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector
ASUS is using the Intel Wireless-AC 9560 module that offers 2x2 Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac wireless capabilities.
Finally, we have the I/O panel which includes the following ports:
- 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s)
- 1 x DisplayPort
- 1 x HDMI
- 1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
- 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (red) (1 x Type-C+3 x Type-A)
- 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (blue) Type-A
- 2 x USB 2.0
- 1 x Optical S/PDIF out
- 1 x Clear CMOS button(s)
- 1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button(s)
- 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi Module
- 5 x Gold-plated audio jacks
As you can see, the rear panel comes with a pre-mounted I/O shield that additionally uses ASUS's ESD Guard technology for protection against electrostatic charges and also the TrueVolt USB tech that offers 5V to all USB ports stability, minimizing the risk of power fluctuations.
ASUS ROG Maximus XI AURA SYNC RGB System:
ASUS is using their AURA SYNC RGB technology to power the lighting system on the ROG Maximus XI series. There's a range of customization available through the app which can be downloaded directly from ASUS's official webpage.
In addition to the built-in RGB illumination, it also features onboard RGB headers and an addressable RGB header that allow the motherboard to be connected to compatible LED devices such as strip, CPU fans, coolers, chassis and so on. Users may also synchronize RGB LED devices across the AURA Sync-certified accessories to create their own unique lighting effects.
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming carries the ROG STRIX branding which is a pure gaming inclined brand and the product itself is the best in the ROG STRIX lineup. The ROG STRIX Z390 Gaming aims to be the best, visually appealing and gamer friendly carrier of the ASUS Z390 motherboard lineup. You'll find that the motherboard has all the necessary features that a PC gamer would want in his gaming PC.
ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming amps the power delivery and stacks a comprehensive set of cooling options to tame Intel's latest CPUs. Together with a wealth of enhancements, including one-click optimization, the latest connectivity and futuristic styling with onboard illumination, ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming makes a formidable foundation for ATX gaming builds that go above and beyond.
ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming Motherboard Specifications:
- LGA1151 socket for 9th/ 8th Gen Intel Core desktop processors
- Aura Sync RGB: Synchronize LED lighting with a vast portfolio of compatible PC gear, including addressable RGB strips
- Comprehensive cooling: Dual onboard M.2 heatsink, water-pump header, fan-extension header and a MOS fan with bracket
- 5-Way Optimization: Automated system-wide tuning, providing AI overclocking and cooling profiles tailor-made for your rig
- Gaming connectivity: Dual M.2 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C connectors
- Gaming networking: Intel Gigabit Ethernet, Intel 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO support, LANGuard and GameFirst
- Gaming audio: SupremeFX S1220A teams with Sonic Studio III to create an aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action
- Easy DIY: Pre-mounted I/O shield, ASUS SafeSlot and premium components for maximum endurance
ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming Motherboard Gallery:
Once again, ASUS offers the ROG STRIX Z390 series with an updated version of the ROG STRIX design that utilizes the LGA 1151 socket supporting either 8th or 9th Gen processors. The CPU socket is powered by a single 8 pin connector. The motherboard offers a 8+2 Phase DIGI+ VRM which is geared for overclocking while being cooled off by two sets of heatsinks.
Four DDR4 DIMM slots offer support for up to 64 GB of memory support at speeds of 4266 MHz (OC+). Storage includes six SATA III ports while expansion capabilities include three PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16/x16/x4 electrical), three PCIe x1 slots and two M.2 slots. One of the two slots uses the M.2 heatsink which looks fantastic and comes with thermal pads beneath to keep your high-end M.2 storage device running in a stable operation.
On the rear panel, you can find 1 USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type-C) ports, 3 USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type-C) ports, 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports and 2 USB 2.0 ports, 2x2 WIFI Module which use the Intel CNVi interface 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, supporting 2.4/5 GHz Dual-Band and Bluetooth v5.0, 1 HDMI port, 1 Display Port, 1 RJ-45 (Intel Gigabit) Ethernet LAN port, 1 PS/2, 1 SPDIF optical out port and a 8 channel HD audio jack. The motherboard retails for $244.99 US in the market.
The ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming comes in the standard cardboard package. The front is themed in black and red, a color scheme which has been part of ROG products for a while now. You can also note ASUS ROG logo on the front which looks great and is the first indication that this is the gaming slash enthusiast aimed product.
The front side also lists down support for Intel's 8th generation Core processors, Optane Memory, NVIDIA SLI, AMD Crossfire, 3D Printing Friendly Design, and ASUS AURA Sync technologies.
The back side of the package lists down the specifications and special features of the motherboard such as the Optimized Cooling Solution, AURA Sync, Dual M.2 Heatsinks and Addressable headers.
Inside the package is another box which contains the accessories at the bottom and motherboard at the top. It is very easy to access although the accessories are a bit scattered and things could get messy sorting out the various additions.
There are several accessories included in the package. Following is the full list of accessories in the package.
- User's manual
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
- 1 x M.2 Screw Package
- 1 x Supporting DVD
- 1 x ASUS 2T2R dual-band Wi-Fi moving antennas (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant)
- 1 x CABLE TIE BLACK
- 1 x SLI HB BRIDGE(2-WAY-M)
- 1 x ROG Strix stickers
- 1 x Assistant Fans(40mm)
- 1 x screws for Assistant Fan(s)
- 1 x ROG Door Hanger(s)
- 1 x Extension Cable for RGB strips (80 cm)
- 1 x Extension cable for Addressable LED
- 1 x Thermistor cable(s)
The motherboard is housed on the top section, over the accessories and has the anti-static wrapping to protect it from any built up electrical resistance that can affect the board.
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming motherboard retains the more modern design scheme that we saw on the last generation Z370 motherboards. Looks are one thing but I am very curious to find out how this performs against the other Z390 boards we have tested in the past few weeks.
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming is styled in black and silver. This is a top-tier product that retails at $245 US so expect lots of features packed inside this motherboard. The motherboard comes in the standard ATX form factor. You can note the gaming nature of this motherboard all the way from top to bottom and it is something that ASUS ROG STRIX series motherboards are known for.
The board uses the LGA 1151 socket to support Intel Core processors. The socket is compatible with Intel's 8th & 9th Generation core family. The socket has a protective cover on top of it that points out the exclusivity with Coffee Lake CPUs and refrains users from running an older 6th or 7th generation CPU as they won't work with these motherboards at all.
Next to the socket are four DDR4 DIMM slots which can support up to 64 GB dual channel memory. These slots are rated to support XMP profiles up to 4266 MHz (OC Plus). Each slot is labeled, making it easier to install DIMMs in the proper orientation.
The motherboard packs an 8+2 Extreme Engine Digi+ VRM supply. The board also uses Micro-Fine Alloy Chokes and 10,000 hours rated black metallic capacitors. All ROG motherboards should ensure top-notch overclocking and the best stability on unlocked 9th and 8th Gen processors. ASUS themselves state that the boards will offer 5 GHz+ overclocking capabilities across all 8 cores using their AI assisted Overclocking technology with 5-Way Optimization.
As you can see, the VRMs are getting ample cooling from the two metallic heatsinks that are beefy in terms of overall size. This motherboard is designed for 5 GHz overclocking on the new Intel Core i9, 8 core CPUs so expect stable operation of the electrical circuitry when this board is running.
If you look in closely, the heatsink solution comes with MOS Fan holder where you can place an active cooling solution of your choice for extra VRM cooling. The VRM heatsinks come with small thermal pads that help helps transfer heat from the inductor and phase array to the heatsink, and the heatsink's large cooling surface then chills the power phase.
ASUS is also using Digital LEDs within the top I/O cover that gives a nice 3D effect, emitting light through the I/O panel and front of the heatsinks when the motherboard is operational.
An illuminated ROG logo with a natural diffuse glow and onboard I/O shroud lighting with a futuristic cyber-text pattern gives ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming a unique and arresting design that communicates its gaming identity. The cyber outlook extends to the PCB and heatsink with subtle textures that contribute a premium look and feel.
The CPU is supplied power through a single 8-pin power connector configuration. This will feed the CPU with over 200W of power. Most Intel CPUs will be shipping with TDPs under 100W but that changes when users overclock since that changes the power limit based on applied voltages and clock speed.
Expansion slots include three PCI Express 3.0 x16 (x16/x8/x8 electrical), three PCI Express 3.0 x1 and two M.2 slots. The board can support 2-way multi-GPU (CrossFireX /SLI/NVLINK). The M.2 slots are rated to support NVMe PCIe gen3 x4 and Intel Optane series memory.
ASUS is using their PCI-E Safe Slots on the sides of the expansion slots which provides protection to some extent. It adds more retention and shearing resistance by reinforcing the slots with metal plates. Aside from adding more protection, they do look really sweet.
Both M.2 slots feature the M.2 heatsink that comes with a large metallic plate, acting as a heatsink and further includes a thermal pad that can sustain higher temperatures when storage devices (M.2 SSDs) are stressed for long durations.
The PCH is cooled off by a large metallic heatsink which runs next to the SATA ports. There are several connectors next to the PCH.
The PCH heatsink is themed to represent the ASUS ROG Eye logo which offers a nice touch the motherboard.
Storage options include six SATA III ports rated to operate at 6 GB/s. These can support a total of six different storage devices at once. Many fan headers and jumpers can be found beneath the storage ports. You can also note a front panel USB 3.1 Gen 2 connector next to the SATA ports.
ASUS is using the latest high-end SupremeFX S1220 CODEC which makes use of the ESS ES9023P DAC, Impedance sense for front and rear channels, 120dB SNR stereo playback output, 113dB SNR recording input, Sonic Studio III and Sonic Radar III, to deliver the most high-end, onboard sound system, a motherboard can offer.
The full list of connectors on the motherboard is listed as follows.
- 1 x Aura Addressable Strip Header(s)
- 1 x AAFP connector
- 2 x Aura RGB Strip Header(s)
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1(up to 5Gbps) connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s)
- 2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
- 1 x M.2_FAN connector
- 1 x CPU Fan connector(s)
- 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s)
- 2 x Chassis Fan connector(s)
- 1 x W_PUMP+ connector
- 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
- 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
- 1 x System panel(s) (Chassis intrusion header is inbuilt)
- 1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN(Extension Fan) connector
- 1 x MemOK! II switch(es)
- 1 x Thermal sensor connector(s)
- 1 x CPU OV
- 1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)
- 1 x Node Connector(s)
- 1 x 14-1 pin TPM connector
- 1 x COM port header
- 1 x AIO PUMP Header
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector
ASUS is using the Intel Wireless-AC 9560 module that offers 2x2 Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac wireless capabilities.
Finally, we have the I/O panel which includes the following ports:
- 1 x DisplayPort
- 1 x HDMI
- 1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
- 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (3 x Type-A+1 x USB Type-C)
- 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1
- 2 x USB 2.0
- 1 x Optical S/PDIF out
- 5 x Audio jack(s)
- 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi Module
As you can see, the rear panel comes with a pre-mounted I/O shield that additionally uses ASUS's ESD Guard technology for protection against electrostatic charges and also the TrueVolt USB tech that offers 5V to all USB ports stability, minimizing the risk of power fluctuations.
ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming AURA SYNC RGB System:
ASUS is using their AURA SYNC RGB technology to power the lighting system on the ROG STRIX Z390 series. There's a range of customization available through the app which can be downloaded directly from ASUS's official webpage.
In addition to the built-in RGB illumination, it also features onboard RGB headers and an addressable RGB header that allow the motherboard to be connected to compatible LED devices such as strip, CPU fans, coolers, chassis and so on. Users may also synchronize RGB LED devices across the AURA Sync-certified accessories to create their own unique lighting effects.
For testing, we used the latest Intel Core i9-9900K which was sent to us by Intel. The Intel 9th Gen Coffee Lake Refresh family comes with a higher core count on the mainstream platform but prices are close to the predecessors in the same segment. The Core i9 SKU wasn't available last time but the Core i7 price matches around the same as what you paid for the Core i7-8700K. The CPUs was tested on the ASUS ROG Maximus XI HERO and ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming motherboards.
Intel Z390 Chipset Motherboards Test Platform
| Processor | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|
| Motherboard | ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming 9 ASUS ROG Maximus XI HERO (Wi-Fi) ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming ASRock Z390 Taichi Ultimate Z390 AORUS Master |
| Power Supply | Corsair AX1200i PSU |
| Solid State Drive | Samsung SSD 960 EVO M.2 (512 GB) |
| Memory | G.SKILL Trident Z RGB Series 32 GB (4 x 8GB) CL16 3600 MHz |
| Video Cards | MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Lightning X |
| Cooling Solutions | Corsair H115i GTX |
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit |
Our test rig includes the Samsung 960 EVO 500 GB SSD that boots up our main OS while a 2 TB Seagate HDD is used for demonstration purposes for the Intel Optane memory. In addition to these, we are running an MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Lightning X graphics card, a Corsair AX 1200i power supply and 32 GB of G.Skill provided Trident Z RGB series memory which runs with a clock speed of DDR4-3600 MHz. For cooling, we used the Corsair H115i PRO cooler. At stock (out of the box) settings, all motherboards maintained a 100.00 MHz BCLK ratio out of the box.
We won't be focusing on Intel's Core i7-8086K architecture in this review since it is entirely the same chip as Skylake along with minor improvements. The Skylake / Kaby Lake architecture analysis can be seen in detail here. For overclocking, I made the following tweaks to the CPUs:
- Intel Core i9-9900KK @ 5.3 GHz With 1.342V (100 x 53) on ROG Maximus XI HERO WIFi
- Intel Core i9-9900KK @ 5.3 GHz With 1.35V (100 x 53) on ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming
3DMark Time Spy CPU Performance
3DMark Firestrike is the widely popular video card benchmark test for Windows that is designed to measure your PC’s gaming performance. While the overall benchmark is great, the utility also provides a good indication of the CPU performance.
3DMark Firestrike CPU Performance
3DMark Firestrike is the widely popular video card benchmark test for Windows that is designed to measure your PC’s gaming performance. While the overall benchmark is great, the utility also provides a good indication of the CPU performance.
Blender
Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation.
Cinebench R15
CINEBENCH is a real-world cross platform test suite that evaluates your computer’s performance capabilities. CINEBENCH is based on MAXON’s award-winning animation software CINEMA 4D, which is used extensively by studios and production houses worldwide for 3D content creation. MAXON software has been used in blockbuster movies such as Iron Man 3, Oblivion, Life of Pi or Prometheus and many more.
HandBrake
HandBrake is a tool for converting video from nearly any format to a selection of modern, widely supported codecs.
PCMark 10
PCMark 10 is a complete PC benchmarking solution for Windows 10. It includes several tests that combine individual workloads covering storage, computation, image and video manipulation, web browsing and gaming. Specifically designed for the full range of PC hardware from netbooks and tablets to notebooks and desktops, PCMark 10 offers complete Windows PC performance testing for home and business use.
POV-Ray
The POV-Ray package includes detailed instructions on using the ray-tracer and creating scenes. Many stunning scenes are included with POV-Ray so you can start creating images immediately when you get the package.
SuperPI
Super PI is used by many overclockers to test the performance and stability of their computers. In the overclocking community, the standard program provides a benchmark for enthusiasts to compare “world record” pi calculation times and demonstrate their overclocking abilities. The program can also be used to test the stability of a certain overclock speed.
WinRAR
WinRAR is a powerful archive manager. It can backup your data and reduce the size of email attachments, decompresses RAR, ZIP and other files downloaded from the Internet and create new archives in RAR and ZIP file format.
X264 HD Encode Benchmark
This benchmark measures the encoding performance of the processor. It offers a standardized benchmark for the clip as well as the encoder used is uniform.
Ashes of The Singularity
Stardock's Ashes of the Singularity RTS title is a new take on the historical genre. The game incorporates several things that many pc gamers have been curious about and anxious to try for themselves such as Explicit Multi-Adapter Support and full Asynchronous Compute under DirectX 12 API. We tested the game at 1440P with 4x MSAA on Crazy Settings under DirectX 12.
Battlefield 1
Battlefield 1 is the kind of game that doesn’t need any real introduction. The latest installment of the Battlefield series is as beautiful as anyone would expect and comes right out of the gate with full DX11 and DX12. EA and DICE did a fantastic job with their AAA WW1 shooter this time by implementing some key gaming technologies. We tested the game at 1440P using Ultra settings and DirectX 11 API.
DOOM
In 2016, Id finally released Doom. My testing wouldn’t be complete without including this title. It's a hell fest featuring fast-paced FPS action and tons of demons to kill. The latest title is based on both Vulkan and OpenGL APIs that take advantage of the latest multi-core and multi-GPU upgrades.
GTA V
GTA V is one handsomely optimized title for the PC audience. It's scalable across various PC configurations and delivers an impressive frame rate. Rockstar did an amazing job with the PC build of GTA V and it comes with a large array of settings that can be configured by PC gamers. We tested the title at 1440P with everything set to Ultra and 4x MSAA.
Mass Effect Andromeda
Being a huge fan of the Mass Effect series, I was highly anticipating the arrival of Andromeda to store shelves. Now that it’s here, I put the fastest gaming card to the test. Using Frostbite, the latest Mass Effect title looks incredibly gorgeous and the open world settings on the different planets immerses you a lot.
The Rise of the Tomb Raider
The latest Rise of the Tomb Raider title gets lots of graphical enhancements added by Crystal Dynamics and Nixxes, including hardware tessellation, increased anisotropic filtering, additional dynamic foliage, increased LOD, additional PureHair strands, sun soft shadows, and improved bokeh DOF. We tested the game at 1440P under DirectX 12 API.
Sid Meir's Civilization VI
Civilization VI is the pinnacle of the series. It's featured huge, sweeping changes, and nothing was left out. Everything has found a purpose, they all work together in tandem but also have a reason to stand alone. It uses a more fleshed out engine that now supports DirectX 12 capabilities. We tested the game with every setting maxed out (4x MSAA, 4096x4096 shadow textures) at 1440P in DirectX 12.
Watch Dogs 2
Watch Dogs 2 once again takes us on a hacking tour, but this time in the city of San Francisco. Using a very evolved version of the OPUS engine the developers should have a better grasp of things this go around than they did with Watch Dogs. The new engine incorporates several NVIDIA Gameworks technologies and is seen as one of the most graphics intensive titles to launch this year. We tested the game on a mix of Ultra and high settings at 1440P (Temporal Filtering Disabled).
The Coffee Lake architecture is meant to improve overall system power consumption and add to the efficiency. In the case of the 9th Gen CPUs, we are looking at refined 14nm++ process which allows Intel to gain improved clock speeds and increase the number of cores within the same power envelope.
With the frequency bump, the new chips do end up with higher power consumption both in idle and load states. The Intel Core i9-9900K when overclocked, breaches the 400W barrier. Even the stock operation is higher than the previous generation flagship which tells that this part has may not be aiming the higher efficiency point as the previous generation parts.
ASUS ROG Maximus XI HERO (Wi-Fi) Motherboard
The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero is a surprising motherboard, excelling the previous ROG Hero design, it offers a lot but at the same time, it does cost slightly more. At $289.99 US, you will be looking at a $30 US jump in price over the Maximus X Hero but you are getting a slightly better design and feature set in return.
The ROG Maximus X Hero balances the ROG lineup in the best price and feature segment. It doesn’t break your wallet like the high-end ROG offerings but doesn’t let you miss out the features either that you would expect from a ROG motherboard. Sure, I love the high-end ROG motherboards such as the APEX, Formula, and Code but as I said, they come at a price which isn’t a worthwhile investment for the masses. The ROG Maximus XI Hero, on the other hand, is a well made and overly tuned option for them.
The overclocking on the ROG Maximus X Hero is great as it let me push the Core i9-990K to 5.3 GHz. I used the golden sample chip that I had and wanted to test out whether I can hit the same potential I managed on other $300 US boards on the Hero. It did so well. The extra cooling with larger aluminum heatsinks and heatpipe solution delivers good VRM thermals while the 8+4 Pin connector ensures that you get the most out of the 8 core chip without running into power related bottlenecks. ASUS has been very strong with their world-class BIOS that is available on the ROG series motherboards and this board was no exception.
In terms of design, the Hero stands out as a Hero in this segment. It has a good quantity of RGB LEDs spread over while the black and grey design is looking as fantastic as ever. It comes with a very unique 3D LED showpiece on the I/O cover and doesn't overdo the RGB like many other motherboard manufacturers seem to be following.
Aside from that, there are lots of connectivity options such as onboard WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, the impressive SupremeFX audio system, and the expanded storage options which are available on the board. I think under the $300 US bracket, the ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) is one of the best board options for both 8th and 9th Gen processors, offering the perfect blend of high-performance OC and strong expandability options.
ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming Motherboard
The next motherboard, the ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming impressed me quite a bit more than the ROG Maximus XI Hero. For starters, it was bundled with a huge range of accessories which is a plus. Moving to the design, I found this motherboard to well build and designed than the Hero which is easy to understand why. It’s the top ROG STRIX series motherboard and has a price that aims around the $250 US segment ($244.99 US).
The motherboard features solid VRM heatsinks but overclocking itself could be a hit or miss with this motherboard as I wasn’t able to reach anything above 5.3 GHz with this motherboard. The heatsinks, on the other hand, did an amazing job keeping this board running under control and stable all the time. You will definitely miss out on the heatpipe implementation but ASUS keeps a solid mounting where you can add an active fan solution (not bundled with the motherboard itself).
Coming to the design again, the PCH heatsink looks lovely with the brushed aluminum frame and the added M.2 heatsinks with thermal pads make sure that your primary NVMe storage device underneath this heatsink for best stability and performance. The I/O shield with its RGB lights was absolutely stunning as the RGB runs through the clawed out sections of the heatsink. The supremeFX audio is just as great as the Maximus XI Hero. The wireless capabilities are intact and so are the extra features that you'd expect of a ROG motherboard.
For $244.99 US, the ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming is definitely a strong product in this price segment as it offers a lot of features in a stunning design. It offers one of the best looking designs and the best overclocking performance in its class making it one of the most appealing motherboards for Z390 PC builders.
You can purchase the ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E Gaming motherboard here!
Contents
About the author: A Software Engineer by training and a PC enthusiast by passion, Hassan Mujtaba serves as Wccftech's Senior Editor for hardware section. With years of experience in the industry, he specializes in deep-dive technical analysis of next-generation CPU and GPU architectures, motherboards, and cooling solutions. His work involves not only breaking news on upcoming technologies but also extensive hands-on reviews and benchmarking.
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