Test – Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming|Specs | Price

Characteristics

The ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming from Asus is therefore a motherboard in ATX format, 30.5 x 24.4 cm on the side which should therefore fit into the totality of ATX boxes on the market. It is equipped with the latest Z390 chipset from Intel, therefore compatible with all socket 1151v2 processors on the market, namely the 8th and 9th generation Cores (including the Core i9 9900K that we tested when it was released). Chipset Z requires, all overclocking features are present, whether in terms of memory or processor (unlike AMD which authorizes it from B chipsets). Of course, go for an overclockable processor to get the most out of it, otherwise a B360 card will do the same job (with no loss of performance!).

The card manages DDR4 memory, from the less efficient 2133 MHz to overpriced modules capping at 4266 MHz, for the little impact in terms of performance that this brings 🙂 It is possible to install up to 64 GB in total, or four 16 GB strips, this should be more than enough for almost all users, unless of course you want a very high-end workstation (which anyway would push towards the HEDT X299 at Intel and X399 at AMD).

The multi-GPU is there, up to two SLI cards at Nvidia for three Crossfire cards at AMD. Be careful, however, because the limitations of the platform lead to reductions in bandwidth on the PCI-E ports. Indeed, three PCI-E 16X ports are present but only one operating at 16X, 8X and 4X for the last two. Using two graphics cards will clamp the first port in 8X for 8X / 8X operation.

In terms of peripherals, there is an Intel i219V Gigabit network part which will be largely sufficient for all purposes. Asus is not in the eccentricity however, point of 10 gigabit to the program, even if the utility is only very limited for the common man for the moment. WiFi is provided by the CNVI Intel AC 9560 module, offering 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac (and bluetooth 5.0) connectivity, which has proven to be particularly efficient in practice. The sound part is managed by a ROG Audio S1220A, under this very marketing name hides a Realtek S1220A chipset, supported by two amplifiers (Texas Instruments O1688A and RC4580). Of course, the manufacturer has added high-end Nichicon capacitors, so there should be no need to go through a third-party sound card, unless you have a high-end HiFi sound kit.

The connection is not forgotten, with no less than 8 USB ports on the back (USB 2.0, 3.1 Type A and C, all the click is there) and four internal headers (2 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.1 Type A and C). Storage is provided by six Sata 6 Gb / s ports, supporting RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10, in addition to the two M.2 (one compatible only PCI-E 4X and another PCI-E / Sata).
The Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming is offered at a price of around 240 €, it is placed in the mid-range. 30 € higher than the Z390-A which is almost identical both in terms of functionality (minus WiFi) but also in terms of the almost identical PCB.

Unpacking and bundle

The box takes the colors of the brand’s ROG Strix products, namely a black background with of course touches of red for the “gaming” side, and even an RGB logo to press the sensitive point well 😉 There is therefore a photo of the beast on the front face, with the usual logos (SLI, Crossfire, Asus Aura sync, Intel Core etc.). At the back, little marketing speech, only the technical characteristics as well as a list of the strong points (additional fan for VRM, RGB, double radiator for M.2 SSD etc ..).

Inside, a great classic, the motherboard in its antistatic bag, resting on the bundle, we do not ask for more anyway.

On the bundle side, the eternal manual with the driver DVD and a sticker plate to show everyone that you have a ROG product. In addition to that, four Sata cables, extension cords for possible RGB bands, a WiFi antenna (not in the photo), a small 4cm fan for VRMs and an SLI bridge. There is everything you need for a majority of configurations, only those with a lot of storage devices will need to use Sata cables.