Introduction

2019 so far has been dominated by Team Red. The Ryzen and Navi launch hype started all the way back in January at CES and only got more intense as the year went on. The hype culminated at the outset of July with a single massive launch, which actually lived up to most expectations. I can't speak for the community, but for myself and the rest of the reviewers around the web, the onslaught of AMD coverage has been exhausting, even if very exciting. It is a great relief to have proper competition in the CPU space once again, and there is still more to come from AMD before this year is out. In light of that, I would like to take a break from AMD and dive back into what Intel has to combat the X570 juggernaut: the Z390 platform.

There is no doubt that the new Ryzen processors and the X570 platform that launched beside them are a huge upset to the industry, a phenomenon that can only be good for us as consumers. In the budget and midrange categories, AMD has offered some excellent new options, and building a workstation/gaming hybrid has never been easier or more affordable. There is one segment, however, where Intel still has a definite advantage: high-end gaming. Specifically, in no compromise gaming exclusive builds, which I know sounds overly specific, but is a real market segment.

If you want the absolute best CPU for gaming and have deep pockets, the Core i9-9900K is the best option for you, making Z390 the platform of choice. The distinction is smaller than it has ever been, So lets dive into the ROG MAXIMUS XI HERO (WiFi) from ASUS to see just what that lead looks like. The ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI HERO (WiFi) is positioned as a high-end mainstream option that has the accoutrement one would expect from the ROG brand ASUS has built up. With M.2 heatsinks on both slots, a premium lighting solution, integrated rear I/O shield, and great ASUS BIOS, the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI HERO (WiFi) has the ingredients of a premium board. Does it have the performance as well?

Specifications