Introduction

Ten months ago, AMD released the Ryzen 3000 series desktop processors in one of the most monumental hardware launches of the modern era. This final step completed the Red brand's ascent back into the forefront of the desktop processor market that began with the launch of the first generation of Ryzen CPUs. Now, Intel is finally firing back with the launch of the 10th Generation Intel Core processors, along with a new motherboard standard to drive them.

As should be no surprise, the focus will remain on the new motherboards. While the 10th Gen Intel Core processors will not support PCIe 4.0 connectivity due to signal integrity issues, many of the Z490 motherboards are designed to support the PCIe 4.0 specification. This is accomplished by adding clock generators to help clean up the signal. Generally speaking, when it comes to long-term platform support, AMD has been the trendsetter. Has AMD's long support of the AM4 socket on its newer generation processors inspired Intel to take similar steps?

So what is Z490 offering right now? For starters, there has been a large focus on VRM and VRM cooling design. With the top-level Intel Core i9-10900K featuring 10 cores along with HyperThreading, the ability to deliver clean, continuous power is going to be one of the primary factors that separates a good Z490 board from the competition. With the introduction of HyperThreading on Intel's mid-range line-up, power delivery is going to be vital in all segments.



The Maximus family serves as ASUS's flagship line for Intel motherboards, with premium looks, premium features, blazing performance, and broad overclocking support. The Maximus lineup typically comprises four models: the Hero, Apex, Formula, and Extreme. Intel's Z490 chipset is no exception. The ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) serves as the mainstream entry for the Maximus family, providing many of the extreme features and benefits of the lineup while maintaining an attainable price tag.

The ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) features a robust VRM cooling solution complete with an optional active cooling fan, all paired with no less than 16 power stages from Infineon. BIOS flashback has also been included, as well as ASUS's excellent BIOS designed to provide an optimal, stress-free overclocking experience. The ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) also offers great connectivity with not only WiFi 6, but also 5 Gb/s Ethernet using an Aquantia controller. All of this performance is bundled into a sleek, modern package with excellent RGB options for those who want more flare in their final build.

Let's take a closer look at what the ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) has to offer.

Specifications

Packaging and Contents

The front of the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XII HERO (WiFi) box features a black background with subtle, printed patterns. In the top-right corner is a brushed metal background, while the rest of the box has a line pattern. "ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI HERO (WiFi) Gaming Motherboard" is in the center left, with the Republic of Gamers logo in the top right. "ASUS" is in the bottom left, and the brand badging is in the bottom right.

The back of the box has all the highlights: a top-down shot of the board, several panels detailing prominent features, a shot of the rear I/O, and the specifications list. The box design is well executed and matches the board perfectly.


The accessories are quite good. On top of the standard inclusions are thermistor cables, RGB extension cables, and even an additional 40 mm VRM cooling fan. Notably absent is any kind of rear I/O shield because the shield is integrated into the board.

The full list of accessories includes:

• Manual and support DVD
• Maximus"thank you" card and sticker sheet
• 4x SATA 6 Gb/s cables
• Thermistor cable pack
• 2x RGB extension cables
• Assistant fan and mounting hardware
• Wi-Fi antenna
• 3x M.2 mounting hardware

Board Layout

The ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) uses a classic ASUS design, a black PCB matched with black heat sinks and dark polished accents over the chipset and the rear I/O cover.


The CPU socket is open enough for most air coolers. The VRM features a large three-section heatsink that wraps around the CPU socket.


There are three M.2 slots on the ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi); two below the first PCIe x16 slot and another below the second PCIe x16 slot. All three slots feature full-coverage heatsinks.


The ASUS Z490 PG ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) offers three PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots, with the top two steel-reinforced, as well as three PCI Express 3.0 x1 slots. The board has a total of six SATA 6 Gb/s ports on the side, angled 90 degrees from the board.


The ASUS Z490 PG ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) has a great I/O offering that includes an optical S/PDIF out port, Wi-Fi 6, Dual LAN, and lots of USB connectivity.

• 2x Antenna ports
• HDMI port
• Clear CMOS button
• 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports
• BIOS flashback button
• 2x USB 2.0 ports
• 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port
• USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port
• 2x RJ-45 LAN port
• Optical SPDIF out port
• 5x 3.5 mm audio jacks

Networking on the ASUS Z490 PG ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) is handled by Intel's I219V controller, as well as a Marvell® AQtion AQC111C for 5 Gb/s LAN. ASUS has dedicated a special heatsink to the 5 Gb/s controller to ensure sustainable performance. For wireless connectivity, there is an AX201 Wi-Fi 6 module.