With the release of the new Intel platform, ASUS decided to repeat the same thing, but only with the search for the incredible. For starters, the account simply ended on the number 13 and now the new board is already called ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme Glacial. This is even better, because the number does not reflect the understanding of the chipset used, but only shows the generation.
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The product used for evaluation this time is the ASUS ROG Strix B660-I Gaming WiFi motherboard, which belongs to the ROG Strix series and is positioned as an ITX motherboard for the B660 platform. For players who pay attention to ITX DIY, the ROG Strix ITX series motherboards must not be unfamiliar. It is also one of the old faces of our evaluation. The product iteration accompanying the hardware platform upgrade often makes the product better meet the needs of players, and how does the ASUS ROG Strix B660-I Gaming WiFi perform? Let us discuss it next. Let’s see.
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Instead of “ROG Maximus XIV Hero”, ASUS has now chosen the name “ROG Maximus Z690 Hero” and has therefore said goodbye to the Roman numerals, at least in the Maximus series. As expected, as the entry-level model in the ASUS premium range, the ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a number of features on board that make the heart of the enthusiast beat faster. The LGA1700 CPU can be boosted thanks to the 20+1 phase design, which also applies to the DDR5 memory, which is mandatory. Other highlights include Thunderbolt 4 with two USB Type-C ports and, of course, PCIe 5.0 support.
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The exterior design is very attractive. Very high quality printing, thick cardboard, and all the information on the box is explanatory. There is nothing superfluous. The background is predominantly black on the front and back, and red on the two sidewalls, which corresponds to the style of ROG. They removed the pink insert, but this does not mean that cyberpunk is gone, they just got a little tired of it and want something more calm.
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The ASUS white motherboards have nearly always been part of their Prime range, although naturally those of you who have been around for a while will remember models like the Sabranco, but for the Z690 they have moved their white one to the Maximus Formula. Throughout the lifespan of the ASUS ROG Maximus range there have usually been two, the more affordable Formula and the high end Extreme. Recently they’ve enlarged the range with the even more affordable Hero, leaving the Formula in the middle of the pack.
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The background is grey. In the upper right corner, the manufacturer’s logo is indicated in white letters. Below, in large white characters, the name of the model Prime Z690M-Plus D4 is indicated. Prime – means “basic”, “basic”. This is a line of universal motherboards of the company, which are designed for a large number of different users and for various tasks. D4 – means support for DDR4 memory. At the bottom is a group of nine icons.
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Powering the CPU is a direct 16+1+1 power stage design via dual 8-pin CPU power connectors. Cooling this monstrosity is a courtesy of CNC machined slabs of aluminum connected by a heat-pipe. This cooling solution actually extends way to the back panel I/O panel. As for other niceties, we have the usual arrangement of 4-pin fan headers here (total of 7) and the two 3-pin RGB LED headers.
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Powering the CPU is a 10+1 power stage design via a reinforced (ASUS ProCool II) 8-pin CPU power connector. Cooling the VRM (north) is a courtesy of a decent slab of aluminum connected to a larger one (west) via a heat-pipe that goes all the way to the PCH. The CPU fan, AIO pump header and a +12v RGB LED header are also located here. For reference, maximum rated power is 12W @ 1A for each.
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Before us is an ATX motherboard. Its dimensions do not differ from the classic ones and are 305 x 244 mm. The external design is also recognizable and resembles other devices from this series. However, there are still changes in the external appearance, even though a white plastic casing is used and all radiators are silver.
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Now we come to the board itself. At first glance we’re not sure about the look Asus has chosen, particularly the large dotted ROG logo atop the I/O section. But it’s hardly a deal breaker. There are two RGB sections, one inside the main VRM heatsink, plus another ROG logo incorporated into the chipset heatsink. It comes packed with OC switches and buttons including various LN2 modes, slow mode, BIOS switch, and voltage read points. There are even moisture detectors that will let you know if your CPU or DRAM area is getting a little soggy.
Read more @ PC Gamer