ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z890 APEX ATX Motherboard Support Intel 15th Gen CPU, PCIe 5.0, 4x DDR5, 6x M.2, 2x Internal USB2.0 Header, 2x Internal USB3.2 Header, 2x Internal Type C Header, 1x Internal TB Header

ROG Maximus Z890 APEX

The ROG Maximus Z890 Apex fully supports Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 2). Precision-engineered for supreme overclocking, it carries the legacy of the series forward into a new generation. With exceptional power delivery and a two-slot DDR5 memory layout, overclockers can meet and exceed their ambitions for record-breaking CPU and memory performance. For those who favor lighter colors for the aesthetics of their build, the ROG Maximus Z890 Apex features a cobble-gray surface, polished metallic accents, sleek contours and a predominantly silver palette.

Performance

Cooling

Gaming Immersion

Connectivity

AI NETWORKING II

AI Networking II combines intelligent technologies to continuously optimize network performance, provide trustworthy and seamless connectivity, and unleash the full speed of WiFi 7*.

*Features may vary by model.

AI OVERCLOCKING

Tuning is now faster and smarter than ever before.

AI COOLING II

Balance the thermals and acoustics of any build with a single click.

ASUS AI ADVISOR

Using AI technology to understand natural-language questions or scenario descriptions, ASUS AI Advisor allows users to explore the functionality and advanced features of ASUS motherboards in a simple and straightforward way.

* Availability of ASUS AI Advisor may vary by region.

NPU BOOST

The integrated NPU in Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) efficiently accelerates AI workflows - and NPU Boost lets you do more with it. This BIOS feature overclocks the NPU with just one click, increasing performance by up to 24%.

* The overclocking performance may vary depending on the CPU series and motherboard used.
** Testing was conducted with an Intel Arrow Lake QS Q2HA Ultra 9 285K processor, ROG Maximus Z890 Extreme motherboard, GeForce RTX™ 4090 24GB graphics card, and XPG Lancer DDR5 memory modules (model AX5U6000C4016G).

OVERCLOCKER'S TOOLKIT

The ROG Overclocker's Tooklit is a powerful set of hardware-level controls to enhance your overclocking experience. Some are quick and easy time savers, while others offer masterful functionality to help you smash benchmarks and break records.

SAFE BOOT BUTTON
Instantly reset the PC and boot directly into Safe mode.

BCLK BUTTONS
Adjust the BCLK frequency to improve system performance.

PROBEIT
Includes eighteen integrated measurement points for advanced tuning.

RETRY BUTTON
Instantly initiates a hard reset with just a press.

SLOW MODE SWITCH
Reduces the CPU ratio to 8X to keep the system stable during setup for extreme overclocking.

RSVD SWITCH
Helps the system boot under extreme temperatures (= -120°C)

LN2 MODE
Jumper to enable special options and functions for liquid-nitrogen (LN2) overclocking.

BIOS SWITCH
Switches between BIOS 1 and 2.

DIFFERENTIAL SENSING

Conventional motherboards use single-ended sensing tapped from a location that isn't ideal, leading to a large disparity between the actual voltage fed to the CPU and the value reported to software. The ROG Maximus Z890 Apex features a differential-sensing circuit and delicate IC that simplify overclocking and tuning by allowing you to track voltages more accurately.

CONDENSATION DETECTION

Specialized circuitry allows ROG Maximus Z890 Apex to detect when condensation occurs on the back of the board. Divided into three distinct sections - CPU, DRAM, and PCIe - the feature provides a useful warning when an area may be at risk of short-circuiting.

CPU LED
Flashes when condensation is detected near the CPU

DRAM LED
Flashes when condensation is detected near the DRAM

PCIe LED
Flashes when condensation is detected near the PCIe slot

DDR5 DOMINATION

Thanks to improved signal routing, now enthusiast-grade kits can be driven beyond the 9 GT/s mark on the ROG Maximus Z890 Apex*.

*Memory overclocking may vary between CPU series. Please refer to the spec table for detailed information.

DIMM FIT

DIMM Fit is an ASUS-exclusive BIOS feature that precisely analyzes individual memory modules to optimize performance and pinpoint potential issues.

AEMP III

ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile III (AEMP III) is an advanced firmware feature that empowers users to achieve unparalleled memory performance with cutting-edge CUDIMM memory.

DIMM FLEX

DIMM Flex employs specialized circuitry that can boost performance or address potential stability issues, depending on temperature readings.

* Results may vary according to the capabilities of your CPU, graphic card, motherboard, and memory modules.
** The comparison chart is based on a test with an Intel Core i9-14900K processor, ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi II motherboard, ROG Strix GeForce RTX™ 4090 OC Edition 24GB graphics card, and G.SKILL DDR5 memory modules (model F5-7200J3646F24GX2-TZ5RK).

ROG Ultimate Power Solution

22(110A)+1(90A)+2(90A)+2(80A) Power Stages

THERMAL MANAGEMENT

An extensive array of headers allows for precise cooling control and monitoring.

Multiple temperature sources
Each header can be set to monitor and react to user-configurable thermal sensors for workload-based cooling, and all settings can be easily managed by Fan Xpert 4 or UEFI.

4-pin fan headers
Every onboard header supports auto-detection of DC or PWM fans.

AIO pump header
A dedicated PWM/DC header for self-contained water-cooling setup.

COOLER COMPATIBILITY

ASUS AIO coolers offer robust performance, high overclocking potential, bold aesthetics and customizable functionality for new Z890 motherboards, empowering you to build your dream gaming rig.

M.2 SLOTS WITH ROG M.2 POWERBOOST

The ROG Maximus Z890 Apex features three PCIe® 5.0 M.2 slots and one PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot onboard, all of which support ROG M.2 PowerBoost to help ensure that every onboard M.2 device can operate simultaneously at optimal performance.

PCIE 5.0 EXPANSION SLOTS

Both PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlots with PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim fully support next-gen graphics cards.

USB Ports

TWO THUNDERBOLT™ 4 TYPE-C® PORTS

ONE USB 20Gbps & ONE USB 10Gbps Type-C® front panel connectors

WIFI7

- 320 MHz
- 6GHz band
- 4096 QAM
- up to 4.8X ultra-fast WiFi speeds
- 5Gb ETHERNET

Gaming Audio

PCIE® SLOT Q-RELEASE

With PCIe® Slot Q-Release Slim, simply tilt the card toward the latching mechanism to automatically unlock it from the PCIe slot. This makes upgrades and maintenance easier than ever before. Users will no longer need to fiddle with a tricky latch or even press a button to release their graphics card from the slot.

M.2 Q-Release

The M.2 heatsink features a convenient switch* to quickly remove it, eliminating the need for tiny screws during SSD installation. Its strong locking mechanism also provides a snug contact surface, helping to ensure reliable heat dissipation for your SSD.
*Switch may be a lever or button, depending on motherboard model.

M.2 Q-Slide

This new sliding M.2 latch design supports sizes 2242, 2260 and 2280 for easy device installation.

NEW M.2 Q-LATCH

The new Q-Latch design allows for tool-free installation or removal of M.2 SSDs with just one press.

Q-ANTENNA

With Q-Antenna, attaching a WiFi antenna to your PC is now easy and fast. Instead of slowly rotating two fasteners until they finally lock in, they just snap into place. Less hassle, and more consistent performance.

Q-CODE

The on-board LED panel shows 2-digit diagnostic codes, providing a valuable reference for troubleshooting common boot problems and hardware issues.

START BUTTON

This convenient button removes the need to manually jump hard-to-reach pins during testing and troubleshooting.

Q-LED

Q-LED is a set of troubleshooting lights to give PC builders quick indicators to confirm that key components ? CPU, RAM, graphics card, storage devices ? are functioning normally during startup. Q-LED can also alert them when memory modules have not been properly installed--even before attempting to boot a newly built PC.

BIOS FLASHBACK™

BIOS FlashBack™ is a safe and simple way to update BIOS. Just drop the (UEFI) BIOS file onto a FAT32-formatted USB stick, plug it into the USB BIOS FlashBack port, and press the button. Updates can even be performed without having memory or a CPU installed.

CLEAR CMOS

The Clear CMOS button quickly resets BIOS settings to factory default. It can also be used to reboot the PC if incorrect BIOS settings have been selected.

UEFI BIOS

The renowned ROG UEFI (BIOS) provides everything you need to configure, tweak, and tune your rig. It offers intelligently simplified options for newcomers to PC DIY, as well as more comprehensive features for seasoned veterans.

BIOS Q-DASHBOARD

Simplify your motherboard configuration with BIOS Q-Dashboard. Its intuitive visual representation of hardware connections and corresponding BIOS settings takes the complexity out of setting up your system. Upgrade now, and discover the power of BIOS Q-Dashboard to easily and efficiently enhance your computing setup.

ADVANCED MODE

When you're ready for a deeper dive, delve into the UEFI's Advanced mode and take complete control. Advanced mode enables full control over every aspect of the motherboard, and a built-in search function helps you quickly find the setting you need.

My Favorites
Quickly locate tuning options and add preferred tools to your favorites list.

EZ Flash
Flash the latest BIOS via the internet from within the BIOS.

S.M.A.R.T.
Check your storage device Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) logs to gauge reliability or to identify potential failures.

GPU POST
Automatically detect selected ASUS graphics cards to view detailed information.

Secure Erase
Restore your SSDs and NVMe storage to factory settings.

Last Modified Log
Track the last change and save preferred profiles to a USB drive.

SATA Port Renaming
Rename SATA ports for easy identification.

ASUS User Profile
Port configuration settings between different BIOS versions or share them with friends.

Q-Fan Control
Configure the fan's operating speed manually or use pre-configured Standard, Silent, Turbo, or Full Speed modes. By default, system fans will automatically switch to full speed if the temperature reaches 75° C.

Aura On/Off mode (Stealth)
Easily enable or disable Aura RGB lighting or every onboard LED, for a more subdued aesthetic.

ASUS DriverHub

ASUS DriverHub streamlines the installation and management of ASUS drivers and utilities to keep your hardware up-to-date and performing optimally. This standalone application automatically detects current driver versions and presents available updates in a list view. By default, it supports ASUS motherboards, and users are invited to install ASUS DriverHub after OS installation. Additionally, ASUS DriverHub offers one-click installation and update checks, making it easier for users to keep their systems running smoothly and efficiently.

TURBOV CORE

Accessed via ASUS DriverHub, TurboV Core delivers intuitive CPU tuning that can unleash performance for overclocking enthusiasts. No need to enter the BIOS - you can seamlessly modify settings directly from within Windows and apply them right away, without needing to reboot. TurboV Core is engineered to elevate system capabilities, with unprecedented simplicity.

Seamless Dual-PC Sharing with Thunderbolt™ Share

Experience a revolutionary way to interact with two PCs using Thunderbolt™ Share-the ultrafast connectivity solution that transforms your dual-PC setup. Seamlessly share screens, keyboards, mice, storage and files between two computers, with the unparalleled speed of Thunderbolt™ technology.

*A certified Thunderbolt™ or USB4® cable is required to meet minimum bandwidth requirements. Cable not included.

Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos expands on traditional surround sound systems by adding height channels, allowing sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects. This creates an immersive audio experience, giving the sensation of sound coming from above, below, and around the listener.

ASUS GlideX

ASUS GlideX is a cross-device, cross-platform screen-sharing, screen-control and operation solution for enhanced productivity across PCs, tablets, and smartphones via USB or WiFi. Features include screen mirroring, screen extension, unified control with one keyboard and mouse, easy file transfers, and using mobile cameras as PC webcams. It's compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

HWiNFO

HWiNFO and ROG have collaborated on this comprehensive system information and diagnostic tool that provides detailed information about hardware components and real-time monitoring of system performance in ROG style. It supports a wide range of hardware devices, and it is regularly updated to include the latest technologies.

AIDA64 Extreme

The ROG Maximus Z890 Apex includes a one-year AIDA64 Extreme subscription, a tool that provides detailed information about hardware and software, as well as benchmarks to measure the performance of the entire system or individual components. AIDA64 Extreme includes a monitoring and diagnostics feature to detect and prevent hardware issues. All vital system sensors can be tracked in real time, allowing voltage readings, fan speeds, and temperature information to be displayed on the desktop or sent to dedicated displays or to the LCD panels of ROG AIO liquid coolers*.

*Support available for ROG Ryujin III and later models.

Armoury Crate

Armoury Crate is a software utility designed to give you centralized control of supported gaming products, making it easy to tune the look and feel of your system. From a single intuitive interface, Armoury Crate helps you customize RGB lighting and effects for compatible devices and synchronize them with Aura Sync to create a unified lighting scheme across your system. In addition, Armoury Crate's Fan Xpert4 tool provides comprehensive control over fans, water pumps, and all-in-one (AIO) coolers.

Glow your gaming world with aura sync

Up your game with complementary Aura Sync enhanced aesthetics, featuring preset lighting effects that can be easily synchronized across compatible ROG graphics cards, monitors, keyboards, and mice to give your setup a unified look.