MotherboardsASUS ROG Z390 Maximus XI Extreme vs Hero – Specifications Difference November 15, 20187033 views0Share By IG ShareToday we are talking about two of the most potent motherboards in Asus lineup; The Asus ROG Z390 Maximus XI Extreme vs Hero. The Extreme model is yet to hit the market. However, we will be discussing whatever information is available out there, to give you about an idea of what these motherboards are all about and how their performance level differs from each other. We will go through all the relevant specifications and technical details side by side, so our readers get the differences clear right before their eyes.Note: If you buy something from our links, we might earn a commission. See our disclosure statement.Also Read: Best Z390 MotherboardsMotherboards features in this article:Asus ROG Z390 Maximus XI Extreme (Amazon|Newegg)Asus ROG Z390 Maximum XI Hero (Amazon|Newegg)Table of Contents Feature / Specs Highlights: (Maximus XI Extreme vs Hero)ASUS ROG Z390 Maximus XI Extreme – Specs Highlights:ASUS ROG Z390 Maximus XI Hero – Specs Highlights:Asus ROG Z390 Maximus XI Extreme vs Hero:CPU:Memory:Video:Audio:Expansion Slots / Connectivity:Networking:Features:Other:Conclusion:Feature / Specs Highlights: (Maximus XI Extreme vs Hero)Before we move to the specification comparison, let us have an overview of both of the motherboards. So here is quick specification highlight for both Asus ROG Z390 Maximus XI Extreme and Asus ROG Z390 Maximum XI Hero:ASUS ROG Z390 Maximus XI Extreme – Specs Highlights:Supports 9th and 8th gen Intel Core desktop processors with LGA1151 CPU SocketROG ecosystem, aura sync RGB lighting, dedicated headers for standard / addressable RGB stripsDedicated water cooling zone, heatsinks for M.2 drives, modifiable fan controls, vertical M.2 expansion slot for enhanced cooling with sinksCustom cooling profile support, Artificial intelligence overclocking, extensive tuning optimization5G LAN, inboard Intel Gigabit Ethernet, 4x M.2, USB 3.1 Gen 2, ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO, LanGuard, GameFirst technologiesSupremeFX and Sonic Studio III for best sound experienceI/O Shield (pre-mounted), ASUS SafeSlot, high-quality components for enhanced durability.ASUS ROG Z390 Maximus XI Hero – Specs Highlights:Supports 9th and 8th gen Intel Core desktop processors with LGA1151 CPU SocketRGB lighting sync technology (requires Aura Sync supported components), supports addressable light strips, Philips HueEnhanced cooling with dedicated water cooling zone, custom fan control and heatsink for M.2Onboard Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LAN Guard, dual M.2, USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectivityCustom cooling profile support, Artificial intelligence overclocking, full tuning optimizationSupremeFX and Sonic Studio III for best sound experienceAsus Safe Slot, premium components for increased durabilityAs this section implies, there are some similarities and many differences as well in these two motherboards. For example, they both have similar audio technologies, safeguard parameters and cooling specifications, overclocking support, etc. However, there are many differences as well. We will go a little bit deeper into the technical aspect in the following section.Asus ROG Z390 Maximus XI Extreme vs Hero:So after getting a quick overview of what these both motherboards, the Asus ROG Z390 Maximus XI Extreme and Hero has to offer, let us dive in a little deep into the technical specifications. Following is a brief specs comparison for both motherboards, categorized in various criteria. Have a look; we hope it will help you to get a complete understanding of the motherboards.CPU:SpecificationAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi ExtremeAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi Hero Socket Intel Socket 1151Intel Socket 1151CPU Support 9th / 8th Gen Intel Core, Pentium, Gold, and Celeron Processors9th / 8th Gen Intel Core, Pentium, Gold, and Celeron ProcessorsArchitecture Support Intel 14nm CPUsIntel 14nm CPUsChipset Z390Z390As the table implies, the CPU support is nothing different for both the motherboards. They both are based on same architecture and chipset, they both come with the same socket and thus support the same range of Intel 8th and 9th gen CPU families without any restrictions.Memory:SpecificationAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi Extreme Asus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi HeroSlots 4x DIMM DDR4 slots4x DIMM DDR4 slotsMax. Memory Size64 GB64 GBSupported Memory Type4400, 4266, 4133, 4000, 3866, 3733, 3600, 3466, 3400, 3333, 3300, 3200, 3000, 2800 (OC)2666, 2400, 2133 MHzNon-ECC, Un-buffered Memory4400, 4266, 4133, 4000, 3866, 3733, 3600, 3466, 3400, 3333, 3300, 3200, 3000, 2800 (OC)2666, 2400, 2133 MHzNon-ECC, Un-buffered MemoryOther Dual Channel Memory ArchitectureXMP Support(Intel Extreme Memory Profiler)Dual Channel Memory ArchitectureXMP Support(Intel Extreme Memory Profiler)Like the CPU support, the memory configuration for both Asus ROG Z390 Maximum Xi Extreme and Hero are same. They come with four DIMM DDR4 slots supporting up to 64 GB of Non-ECC, the Un-buffered main memory of types specified above. However, the supported memory types may vary based on what type of processor you are going to use in your rig.Moreover, they come with dual channel memory architecture. Which means you will need to install two or more supported memory modules into matching slots so that that memory controller can access each of these. Another great feature is Intel XMP support. The Intel Extreme Memory Profiler allows you to overclock the memory by merely tuning some BIOS settings to enhance your creation and gaming experience. That’s not it, XMP also allows loading and test predefined profiles through different ways. It makes convenient to find the right settings for your system.Video:SpecificationAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi ExtremeAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi HeroIGP Support Intel UHD Graphics SupportIntel UHD Graphics SupportMulti VGA Output NOYESVGA Outputs HDMI PortHDMI PortDisplayPort PortMax. Resolution4096 x 2160 / 30 Hz(HDMI)4096 x 2160 / 30 Hz (HDMI)4096 x 2304 / 60 Hz (DisplayPort)Multi GPU SupportNVIDIA 2 Way SLI TechnologyAMD 3 Way CrossFireX TechnologyNVIDIA 2 Way SLI TechnologyAMD 3 Way CrossFireX TechnologyBoth of the motherboards are designed to optimize the integrated graphics processor (if your CPU has any). When we talk about the differences, the Maximus extreme does not support multiple VGA outputs. It has only one HDMI output, delivering 4096 x 2160 maximum resolutions with a 30 Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, Asus ROG Z390 Maximus Hero supports dual VGA output. Addition to HDMI, it also has DisplayPort, which delivers better resolution and refresh rate compared to HDMI, that is 4096 x 2304 at 60 Hz.Both the motherboards come with support to multiple GPU. They support various technologies by Nvidia and AMD to serve the purpose. You can use up to two Nvidia graphics card with the same GPU in both motherboards. AMD gives you some more space as it allows up to 3 graphics card and that too with different GPUs.Audio:SpecificationAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi ExtremeAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi HeroAudio CodedROG SupremeFX 8-Channel S1220ROG SupremeFX 8-Channel S1220Compliant StandardHigh Definition AudioHigh Definition AudioTechnologiesImpedance sensejack detection, multi-streaming, front panel jack retasking120 dB SNR stereo playback output113 dB SNR recording inputSupreme FX Shielding technologyESS ES9023P32 bit / 192kHz playback supportImpedance sensejack detection, multi-streaming, front panel jack retasking120 dB SNR stereo playback output113 dB SNR recording inputSupreme FX Shielding technologyESS ES9023P32 bit / 192kHz playback supportFeaturesGold plated jacksOptical S/PDIF out portSonic Radar IIISonic Studio III + Sonic Studio LinkGold plated jacksOptical S/PDIF out portSonic Radar IIISonic Studio III + Sonic Studio LinkThe audio specifications in both motherboards are some.Expansion Slots / Connectivity:SpecificationAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi ExtremeAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi HeroExpansions Slots 2x PCIe 3.0 / 2.0 x16(x16 or dual x8)1x PCIe 3.0 / 2.0 x161x PCIe 3.0 / 2.0 x12x PCIe 3.0 x16(x16 or dual x8 or x8/x4/x4)1x PCIe 3.0 x 16 (x4 mode)3x PCIe 3.0 x1Storage Interface SATA & PCIe 3.0 x4 modePCIe 3.0 x4 mode6x SATA 3 GB/sports(RAID 0-1-5-10 support)SATA & PCIe 3.0 x4 modePCIe 3.0 x4 mode6x SATA 6 GB/sports(RAID 0-1-5-10 support)USB Ports 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port (front)4x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (back)8x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports4x USB 2.0 ports2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports4x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (front)2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (back)2x USB 2.0 ports (back)4x USB 2.0 ports (mid-board)1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 front panel portsAs you can clearly see in the table above, the expansion support and storage interface is almost similar for both the motherboard. However, note that Hero offers better 6 GB/s SATA slots compared to ASUS ROG Z390 Maximum Extreme which offers only 3 GB/s SATA slots. Moreover, the USB specification and positions are different as well.Networking:SpecificationAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi ExtremeAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi HeroLANAquantia AQC111C 5G LANDual Integration technologyAnti-surge Lan guardRPG GameFirst TechnologyIntel I219V, Gigabit LAN ControllerDual integration technologyAnti-surge Lan guardRPG GameFirst TechnologyWireless Intel Wireless AC 9560Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acDual band 2.4 / 5 GHz supportMU-MIMO SupportChannel bandwidth support(HT 20 / 40 / 80 / 160)NoneBluetooth Bluetooth 5.0NoneTalking about the wired connectivity, Extreme offers Aquantia AQC111C 5G LAN controller which Hero has onboard Intel I219V and Gigabit LAN controller as well. We are not sure how much it will impact the networking performance. However, Hero does not feature wireless connectivity nor Bluetooth, which is a big plus for extreme. It is going to save you from investing in separate Bluetooth / wireless cards. You can see in detail wireless connectivity details for ASUS ROG Z390 Maximus XI Extreme is described in the table above.Features:These motherboards come with some highlights and supported technologies as described in the table below, as it implies, Extreme has much more to offer compared to Hero:SpecificationAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi ExtremeAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi HeroROG Exclusive FeaturesRetry, Safe Boot, Start ButtonLN2 ModeExtreme Engine Digi+Mem Tweak-itExtreme TweakerROG Exclusive SoftwareRetry, Safe Boot, Start Button–Extreme Engine Digi+Mem Tweak-itExtreme TweakerROG Exclusive SoftwareOther FeaturesLive dash OLEDSafe DIMM slotASUS AURAASUS EZ DIYASUS Q DesignOverclocking ProtectionOptiMem IIASUS AURAAsus Q-Design FeaturesOther:SpecificationAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi ExtremeAsus ROG Z390 Maximus Xi HeroBIOS 2x 128 Mb Flash ROMUEFI AMI BIOSPNPDMI 3.0SM BIOS 3.1ACPI 6.11x 128 Mb Flash ROMUEFI AMI BIOSPNPDMI 3.0SM BIOS 3.1ACPI 6.1Form Factor ATX Form Factor(12 x 9.6 inches)ATX Form Factor(12 x 9.6 inches)Recommended OS Windows 10 – 64 bitWindows 10 – 64 bitConclusion:We hope this post helps you to understand the significant differences between Asus ROG Z390 Maximum xi extreme and hero. If there is any doubt or suggestion on your mind, feel free to contact us directly or comment down below. Make sure you subscribe Face of IT for regular tech updates. See you until next post, Thank You. Affiliate Disclosure: Faceofit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Share What's your reaction? Excited 0 Happy 0 In Love 0 Not Sure 0 Silly 0
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