ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) Z390 Gaming Motherboard LGA1151 (Intel 8th 9th Gen) ATX DDR4 DP HDMI M.2 USB 3.1 Gen2 802.11AC Wi-Fi
Bottom line: The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero: Dual M.2 slots run two NVMe drives without an adapter card; main trade-off: LGA1151 Z390 limits you to 8th/9th Gen Intel chips, no upgrade path.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Dual M.2 slots run two NVMe drives without an adapter card
- ✓ Onboard 802.11AC Wi-Fi frees a PCIe slot for other cards
- ✓ 5-Way Optimization auto-overclocks using thermal telemetry
- ✓ Pre-mounted I/O shield removes a common build snag
Cons
- ✗ LGA1151 Z390 limits you to 8th/9th Gen Intel chips, no upgrade path
- ✗ 802.11AC, not the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard on later chipsets
- ✗ USB 3.1 Gen 2 tops out below current USB4 speeds
- ✗ Aura Sync RGB adds cost you cannot opt out of
Manufacturer description
Load up with more cores without rethinking your cooling curve: revamped ASUS 5-Way Optimization overclocks intelligently using smart prediction and thermal telemetry, while FanXpert 4 adjusts system cooling dynamically as loads shift. Connectivity is the other half of the story. Dual M.2 slots keep two NVMe drives on board, USB 3.1 Gen 2 handles high-bandwidth external storage, and integrated 802.11AC Wi-Fi means you can skip the add-in card entirely. DisplayPort and HDMI outputs support integrated graphics setups. ASUS OptiMem II routing improves DRAM overclocking stability for enthusiasts…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) Z390 Gaming Motherboard LGA1151… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the motherboards category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the motherboards category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for motherboards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which CPUs work with the ROG Maximus XI Hero?
It uses the LGA1151 socket and supports 8th and 9th Generation Intel Core processors. Check the ASUS CPU support list for your exact model and the BIOS version it requires.
Does this motherboard have built-in Wi-Fi?
Yes. Onboard 802.11AC Wi-Fi is integrated, so you do not need a separate wireless card or a USB adapter to get on a wireless network.
How many M.2 slots does it have?
Two. Dual M.2 slots let you run a pair of NVMe SSDs directly on the board alongside the standard SATA ports.
Is it good for overclocking?
It is built for it. Revamped 5-Way Optimization overclocks based on smart prediction and thermal telemetry, and ASUS OptiMem II improves DDR4 memory overclocking stability.
Is the RGB lighting controllable?
Yes. Aura Sync RGB lighting includes addressable headers and synchronizes color effects across other Aura Sync enabled components in your build.
Key Features
- Designed for 9th 8th Generation Intel Core processors maximize connectivity, speed with Dual M. 2, USB 3. 1 Gen 2, onboard 802. 11AC Wi-Fi and ASUS optimum II for better DRAM overclocking stability
- Revamped 5-way Optimization overclocks Intelligently based on smart prediction and thermal telemetry while FanXpert 4 delivers dynamic system cooling
- Aura Sync RGB lighting with addressable headers features a nearly endless spectrum of colors with the ability to synchronize effects across an ever-expanding ecosystem of AURA Sync enabled products
- Pre-mounted I/O shield ensures streamlined installation and represents ROG's attention to detail and quality
Full Specifications
| Brand | ASUS |
|---|---|
| USB 2.0 | 2 |
| Platform | Windows 10 |
| CPU Model | Core i5 Family |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Model Name | ROG Maximus XI Hero |
| Chipset Type | Intel Z390 |
| Connectivity | USB, WiFi |
| Model Number | ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) |
| Chipset Family | Z390 |
| Item Type Name | ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero Z390 Gaming Motherboard LGA1151 (Intel 8th 9th Gen) ATX DDR4 DP HDMI M.2 USB 3.1 Gen2 802.11ac WiFi |
| Mfr Part Number | ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Ports | 1 |
| Total Usb Ports | 10 |
| Processor Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Total PCIe Ports | 10 |
| Total SATA Ports | 6 |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Warranty Description | 3 years |
Ready to buy?
ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero (Wi-Fi) Z390 Gaming Motherboard LGA1151 (Intel 8th 9th Gen) ATX DDR4 DP HDMI M.2 USB 3.1 Gen2 802.11AC Wi-Fi is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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