In line with expectations, Z690/Z790 motherboards will provide support for Intel's new 14th Gen Raptor Lake (Refresh) Desktop CPU lineup, alongside enhanced compatibility with faster DDR5 memory. Furthermore, the VRMs have been adjusted to accommodate the heightened power consumption of these processors, complemented by improved heatsink designs to ensure effective cooling for demanding workloads.  The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero is essentially a refreshed edition that follows the footsteps of the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero. The primary focus lies in the incorporation of the Wi-Fi 7 wireless network module, with a notable highlight being the ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna directional antenna. Furthermore, ASUS has optimized the configuration by increasing the number of M.2 slots to a total of 5, along with direct support for PCIe 5.0 x4, effectively eliminating the necessity for additional expansion cards. While there may exist some subtle alterations in the peripheral design details, they might not be immediately discernible. In summary, let's swiftly explore the key distinctions brought about by this minor revamp. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 DARK HERO motherboard represents a top-tier solution, featuring a 20+1 phase / 105A power delivery configuration. It is constructed using high-grade components and materials, emphasizing durability and low temperatures. Additionally, the motherboard incorporates advanced cooling systems, crucial for maintaining ideal temperature levels for the CPU and GPU. For those inclined towards system optimization, it offers nice overclocking capabilities. Furthermore, it is equipped with a broad scope of connectivity interfaces such as Thunderbolt, USB, PCIe, and various networking options, catering to a wide range of user requirements. The motherboard also supports multiple PCIe slots, providing opportunities for system expansion through additional graphics cards or storage units. On the audio front, it houses a sophisticated audio solution, which emphasizes clarity and depth in sound output. The motherboard's BIOS enables users to customize a plethora of system settings, ensuring adaptability and a controlled user experience.