ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming WiFi 6E Motherboard review for top-tier performance

Description

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming WiFi motherboard feels premium. The sleek black design, accented with customizable AURA RGB lighting, makes it a centerpiece for any PC build. Its ATX form factor ensures compatibility with most mid-tower and full-tower cases, which is a huge plus. I found the layout to be well thought out, with strategically placed PCIe slots and M.2 connectors, making installation smooth. The L-shaped heatpipe and multiple heatsinks, which include an M.2 backplate, not only look impressive but also significantly enhance thermal performance. However, I did notice that the RGB lighting, while vibrant, could be overwhelming if you’re not into flashy setups, but fortunately, you can tweak it to your preference.

Performance and Features

This motherboard is equipped to unleash the full potential of 11th Gen Intel processors with its 14+2 power stages and DDR4 memory support up to 5333 MHz. I tested its AI overclocking feature, and it worked like a charm, automatically optimizing performance without requiring manual tweaks. The AI Cooling and AI Noise Cancellation features stood out, as they genuinely improved my system’s efficiency and reduced unwanted noise. One of the highlights for me was the WiFi 6E support, which delivered blazing-fast internet speeds, even in a congested network environment. Pair this with dual Intel 2.5 Gb LAN ports, and you get a motherboard that’s clearly built for gamers and power users alike.

Positives

The key benefits of this motherboard cannot be overstated:

• Exceptional build quality with a premium feel.
• WiFi 6E and dual 2.5 Gb LAN ensure top-tier networking performance.
• AI optimization features simplify overclocking and cooling adjustments.
• AURA RGB lighting adds a customizable and stylish touch.
• Multiple M.2 slots with heatsinks allow for efficient storage solutions.

Downsides

Despite its impressive specs, there are some areas for improvement:

• The BIOS interface, while functional, could use a more user-friendly design.
• RGB lighting might not appeal to minimalist builders.
• Price point may be prohibitive for budget-conscious users.

Gaming Experience

As someone who tests a lot of gaming hardware, I can confidently say this motherboard is built for gamers. The optimized thermal design kept the system cool during long gaming sessions, even when running demanding titles. I particularly appreciated the AI networking, which prioritized game traffic to minimize lag. Combined with PCIe 4.0 support, I was able to pair it with a high-end GPU and experience seamless gaming at ultra settings. Built-in Intel WiFi 6E ensures no interruptions in online play, which is a game-changer if your Ethernet setup isn’t ideal.

Competitive Options

There are plenty of direct competitors in the market, such as the MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Edge and the Gigabyte Z590 AORUS Master. While both alternatives offer robust performance, I found that the AI features and WiFi 6E capabilities of this motherboard made it stand out. However, the MSI board does offer a more beginner-friendly BIOS, and Gigabyte’s option has slightly better audio solutions. If you’re someone who prioritizes ease of use or audio fidelity, those might be worth considering. On the other hand, if networking speed and AI optimization are critical, this motherboard pulls ahead.

Price Performance

From a price-performance perspective, this motherboard offers great value for enthusiasts and gamers. Its future-proof features, like PCIe 4.0 and WiFi 6E, justify the investment, especially if you’re planning a high-performance build. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, I believe the combination of innovation and build quality makes it worthwhile. If you’re willing to stretch your budget a bit, the enhanced gaming and productivity features more than make up for the cost.

Additional information