{"id":73366,"date":"2024-10-24T23:00:32","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T15:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tech-critter.com\/?p=73366"},"modified":"2024-10-29T11:56:14","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T03:56:14","slug":"asus-rog-maximus-z890-apex-hands-on-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tech-critter.com\/asus-rog-maximus-z890-apex-hands-on-review\/","title":{"rendered":"ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z890 APEX Hands-On Test"},"content":{"rendered":"

Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to have a quick look at the new ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex<\/a>, and we were impressed by the improved quality-of-life features, power design, and overall enhancements. Over the past two weeks, we’ve thoroughly tested the board, and today, we’ll be sharing our thoughts on how the Z890 Apex performs compared to its predecessor.<\/p>\n

Quick Recap<\/h2>\n

\"ROG

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex is built specifically for enthusiasts and overclockers, carrying on the legacy of the Apex series. The 22+1+2+2 power stage design delivers exceptional power efficiency, making it a top choice for overclockers looking to break performance records. It’s equally well-suited for enthusiasts building high-performance systems, offering stability even under intense workloads.<\/p>\n

It also supports DDR5 memory speeds up to 9000+ MT\/s, catering to extreme overclocking needs. PCIe Gen5 x4 slots provide top-tier storage speed for demanding applications. ASUS has further refined user convenience with features like the M.2 Q-Release and PCIe Q-Release, simplifying hardware upgrades and installations over previous Apex models.<\/p>\n

BIOS<\/h2>\n

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The BIOS layout of the ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex remains largely unchanged from previous models, but there are some new features specific to the Intel Core Ultra desktop processors. These additions allow for more precise control over the CPUs. Notably, users can choose between Intel’s Default Settings or ASUS’s Advanced OC Profile, giving them the option to either maintain a safe, limited power threshold or fully unlock the power limit for maximum performance during overclocking sessions.<\/p>\n

Test system list<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
CPU<\/td>\nIntel Core Ultra 9 285K<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Motherboard<\/td>\nASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Memory<\/td>\nCRAS V RGB ROG CERTIFIED DDR5 Memory<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Graphics Card<\/td>\nGeForce RTX 3080 10G<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Power Supply<\/td>\nCooler Master M2000 Platinum 2000W<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Primary Storage<\/td>\nKingston KC3000 2TB<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Secondary Storage<\/td>\nPNY XLR8 CS3040 2TB<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CPU Cooler<\/td>\nCooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ION<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chassis<\/td>\nStreacom Open BenchTable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Operating System<\/td>\nWindows 11 Pro 24H2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

CPU load test and thermals<\/h3>\n

\"ROG

For this test, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex was paired with Intel’s flagship Core Ultra 9 285K processor. Despite the CPU’s listed 250W maximum turbo power, it occasionally exceeded this limit with Intel’s default settings, but temperatures remained stable, not exceeding 90\u00b0C, thanks to the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ION.<\/p>\n

However, when using the unlocked power limit mode, the power draw can go beyond 350W, with temperatures reaching 100\u00b0C. Cooler Master is expected to release an offset mounting kit for improved cooling performance, as the CPU’s hotspot has shifted.<\/p>\n

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During our stress test sessions, we closely monitored the temperatures around the VRM and chipset areas of the ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex. The highest recorded temperatures were 56\u00b0C for the VRM and 62\u00b0C for the chipset, which is quite acceptable for our setup. Using a thermal imaging camera confirmed these results. It’s likely that with an optimized airflow case or on a testbench with direct fan cooling, these temperatures could be even lower, ensuring better thermal performance in real-world conditions.<\/p>\n

Memory Overclocking<\/h2>\n
\"KLEVV