Board Layout

The ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) uses a classic ASUS design, a black PCB matched with black heat sinks and dark polished accents over the chipset and the rear I/O cover.


The CPU socket is open enough for most air coolers. The VRM features a large three-section heatsink that wraps around the CPU socket.


There are three M.2 slots on the ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi); two below the first PCIe x16 slot and another below the second PCIe x16 slot. All three slots feature full-coverage heatsinks.


The ASUS Z490 PG ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) offers three PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots, with the top two steel-reinforced, as well as three PCI Express 3.0 x1 slots. The board has a total of six SATA 6 Gb/s ports on the side, angled 90 degrees from the board.


The ASUS Z490 PG ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) has a great I/O offering that includes an optical S/PDIF out port, Wi-Fi 6, Dual LAN, and lots of USB connectivity.

• 2x Antenna ports
• HDMI port
• Clear CMOS button
• 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports
• BIOS flashback button
• 2x USB 2.0 ports
• 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port
• USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port
• 2x RJ-45 LAN port
• Optical SPDIF out port
• 5x 3.5 mm audio jacks

Networking on the ASUS Z490 PG ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) is handled by Intel's I219V controller, as well as a Marvell® AQtion AQC111C for 5 Gb/s LAN. ASUS has dedicated a special heatsink to the 5 Gb/s controller to ensure sustainable performance. For wireless connectivity, there is an AX201 Wi-Fi 6 module.