The ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 Dark Hero is an enthusiast-grade ATX motherboard designed for Intel’s latest 12th, 13th, 14th Gen Core processors. With support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and plenty of cooling and overclocking features, this motherboard can handle the most powerful CPUs on the market. Here are some of the best CPU options to pair with the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 Dark Hero motherboard:
High-end CPUs | Mid-range CPUs | Budget CPUs
Best High-end CPUs for ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 Dark Hero ATX Motherboard:
Intel Core i9-14900K – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Newegg
The new Intel Core i9-14900K desktop processor delivers exceptional performance for gamers, content creators, and power users. Built on Intel’s cutting-edge 7nm process, it packs 24 cores and 32 threads to blaze through demanding workloads. The Hybrid Core design pairs eight high-frequency Performance cores for optimal single-threaded speed with 16 Efficient cores for multitasking prowess. With a turbo boost up to 6GHz, PCIe 5.0 support, and dual-channel DDR5 RAM, this chip has the muscle to handle the latest games and creative apps. Pair it with Nvidia’s flagship RTX 4090 GPU, and you’ve got a dream system for 4K gaming, 3D rendering, video editing, and more.
Features like Intel Thread Director, Thermal Velocity Boost, and Adaptive Boost optimize performance by dynamically directing tasks across cores and opportunistically raising clock speeds. Integrated Intel UHD 770 graphics handle basic video output, while AI accelerators boost neural networks and noise reduction. Note that a thermal solution is not included, so pair this 125W TDP chip with a premium cooler for overclocking headroom. For enthusiasts seeking an uncompromising Intel platform, the i9-14900K delivers next-gen performance today. Overclockers can squeeze even more power from this beastly silicon.
Intel Core i9-13900K – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Newegg
The Intel Core i9-13900K is another best selling gaming processor for GeForce RTX 4090. With its impressive performance and high core count, it is a top choice for both gamers and creators. In terms of gaming, the Core i9-13900K is an absolute powerhouse. It outperforms its competitors, such as the Core i5-13600K, and offers the smoothest gameplay experience. Gamers can expect fast frame rates and excellent performance in even the most demanding games. But it’s not just gamers who benefit from this processor. Creators will also love the performance of the Core i9-13900K. It excels in various creator tasks, making it a versatile choice for professionals working in fields such as video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design. One advantage of the Core i9-13900K is its high core count, which allows for multitasking and handling demanding workloads with ease. It also benefits from Intel’s advanced technology, ensuring efficient performance and power management. In terms of competition, AMD may offer fewer total cores but provides better per-core performance when 9 to 16 cores are required. However, Intel’s lower CPU power draw can be an attractive feature for some users. Overall, the Intel Core i9-13900K is a top-tier CPU that delivers exceptional performance for both gamers and creators. Its speed, versatility, and advanced features make it a worthy investment for those in need of a high-performance processor.
Best Mid-range CPUs for ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 Dark Hero ATX Motherboard:
Intel Core i7-14700K – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Newegg
The new Intel Core i7-14700K 3.4 GHz 20-Core LGA 1700 Processor delivers exceptional performance and efficiency perfect for powering high-end gaming rigs built around Nvidia’s flagship GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. With a total of 20 cores enabled by Intel’s latest hybrid architecture, the i7-14700K features eight high-performance cores clocked at 3.4GHz for tackling demanding workloads, while 12 efficient cores handle background tasks for smooth multitasking. Turbo Boost Max 3.0 pushes frequencies up to 5.6GHz on the performance cores when needed. The advanced Intel Thread Director works seamlessly to assign threads to the optimal cores in real-time.
With 30MB of cache and support for blisteringly fast DDR5 memory up to 5600MHz, as well as the latest PCIe 5.0 interface, the i7-14700K delivers the bandwidth and low latency required to fully unleash the RTX 4090’s capabilities. Although integrated graphics are included, they won’t be utilized with a discrete GPU installed. Overclocking headroom allows enthusiasts to push performance even further. The only notable omission is the lack of a bundled cooling solution, so an aftermarket cooler is required. With exceptional single and multi-threaded speed, the Core i7-14700K is an ideal match for the GeForce RTX 4090, enabling high frame rates and buttery smooth gameplay in demanding titles at 4K and beyond.
Best Budget CPUs for ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 Dark Hero ATX Motherboard:
Intel Core i5-14600K – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Newegg
The new Intel Core i5-14600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core LGA 1700 Processor hits the sweet spot for high-end gaming systems built around Nvidia’s flagship GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. With 14 total cores enabled by Intel’s latest hybrid architecture, the i5-14600K features six high-speed cores operating at 3.5GHz for tackling demanding workloads, while eight efficient cores handle background tasks for smooth multitasking. Intel Turbo Boost pushes clock speeds up to 5.3GHz when extra performance is needed. The advanced Thread Director ensures threads are intelligently assigned to the optimal cores in real-time.
With 24MB of cache and support for fast DDR5-5600 memory and PCIe 5.0, the i5-14600K delivers excellent bandwidth and low latency to fully utilize the RTX 4090. Although integrated graphics are included, they won’t be used with the 4090 installed. The unlocked multiplier allows enthusiasts to overclock for even more performance. A noteworthy omission is the lack of a bundled cooler, so an aftermarket solution is required. With great single and multi-core performance at a more affordable price point than the i7, the Core i5-14600K is a smart match for the RTX 4090, providing high frame rates and buttery smooth 4K gameplay in the latest titles.
Conclusion:
The ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 Dark Hero motherboard provides a robust platform for building a high-end gaming PC with Intel’s latest 12th, 13th or 14th Gen Core processors. For uncompromising performance with Nvidia’s flagship GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, Intel’s new Core i9-14900K is a top choice, delivering awesome power for gaming, creating and multitasking with its 24 cores. The previous generation Core i9-13900K is another excellent option with impressive speed and high core count.
For a more affordable high-end build, the new Core i7-14700K with 20 cores hits a sweet spot between price and performance. On a budget, the 14-core Core i5-14600K packs great gaming prowess at a more accessible cost. All three unlocked chips support overclocking with ample cooling. While integrated graphics are included, they won’t be used with a dedicated GPU installed. Overall, the ASUS Z790 Dark Hero shines with these Intel CPUs, providing the speed, bandwidth and features to maximize performance. If building a new high-end system around Nvidia’s latest graphics card, these processors should top the list.