Top Choice *non RGB* 64GB memory package for 13Th ASUS Z790 Hero.
Top Choice *non RGB* 64GB memory package for 13Th ASUS Z790 Hero.
Looking for a top pick in a DDR5 3x32GB package that delivers solid performance, especially at XMP levels, with ECC support for reliability.
Not possible on Z790, if this is a deal breaker you're gonna have to go Sapphire Rapids (I don't believe Ryzen 7000 has any support for it either). So two things: "Best Value" and "Z790 Hero" don't belong in the same sentence, it's a $600 board on a socket where the most expensive CPU is $700 and is effectively the same as a $500 CPU, nothing about this build would be a good value. There are boards half the price that perform just as well with very similar feature sets. Is there a reason you're trying to get that specific board and are worried about bang for the buck for memory pricing? They don't sell 3x32GB DDR5 kits, I'm gonna assume that's probably some sort of typo. Did you mean 2x32GB or 4x32GB? 4x32GB kits aren't really a thing for DDR5, though I'd argue that if you actually need 128GB of RAM, you probably need 192GB of RAM, so going for a kit of Corsair's 4x48GB 5200 CL40 kit would be a good idea, especially since it's the only 4 DIMM kit you can actually buy today, and doing 2 2x32GB kits on DDR5 is pretty sketchy at best.
I meant a 2x32Gb configuration (you’d probably notice). The Maximus hero’s capabilities are what drive my purchase. Solid I/O performance, M.2 compatibility, and strong VRM design are notable. The main reason for opting for a pricier board is that I’ve previously used ASUS boards without any problems. Part of the appeal is its support for 8x/8x configurations using both PCIe slots, which allows multiple high-end GPUs or PCIE cards. This model excels in dual-slot operation and has a convenient 4-lane 16X slot beneath it. It’s becoming harder to find boards with several 16x slots connected to the CPU. The value of RAM remains relevant here—keeping costs reasonable while boosting memory speed from around 6000mhz to 7000+mhz is a smart choice.
You can often locate boards offering all those features at a lower cost. For example, a Z690 Force/Carbon board—silver or black variant—for $300 includes eight x8 support pins, multiple M.2 slots fitting the LGA 1700 socket, and a solid VRM similar to the Hero. The main differences are its manufacturer (MSI instead of ASUS) and the absence of Thunderbolt; you’ll need a BIOS update for the Z690 version. In terms of performance, it should match the Hero exactly, and in features it would be nearly identical. For RAM, choose the lowest price within 5600 CL36 or 6000 CL32 speeds. Higher speeds may not run at XMP without manual tuning, and I’d prefer to avoid anything slower. The 6000 CL32 option is marginally faster but the price gap matters—generally around $30 in the US, it’s usually worth it unless you’re in a different region. I suggest checking kits like G.Skill’s offerings; they’re likely the most affordable in those speed ranges, though local pricing can vary significantly.
Are you planning to utilize the additional PCIe slot directly linked to the CPU? You're thinking of using it for fast storage if you're doing heavy write operations—definitely not for gaming. For dual 4090s, you can definitely use all Z690 and Z790 chips; they provide sufficient voltage to power a 13900K, even a mid-range board like the MSI Pro Z690-A. Regarding I/O needs, let me know more. If you're building a custom loop, are you doing it for silent operation or for overclocking? If the latter, you'll need a 60mm 480RAM and be prepared to use a radiator (just keep antifreeze at 20% to avoid corrosion). As the 13900K gets very hot, that's a must. For a top-tier setup, consider a 2x48 kit; current manufacturers discourage dual-rank configurations, so you won't hit the 7600-8400 range like with single-rank boards. A 6000 dual-rank should perform well on Raptor Lake IMCs.
The 13900K delivers significant power, so not every budget board is suitable. A Z690-A Pro might be questionable; its heat dissipation will be intense and the VRM is close to its cooling limits without active cooling. Boards such as the Z690 Phantom Gaming 4 are better options. It reaches around 450W under ambient conditions, which a solid 360mm radiator can manage. The main challenge lies in efficiently removing heat from the chip itself, not just the coolant temperature or radiator performance. You don’t need a car-style radiator—using one would only worsen things since it’s not meant for PC use. Running antifreeze adds complexity and reduces thermal conductivity, plus you face issues with mixed metals and other complications. This isn’t a reliable recommendation in any situation.
You don't have to buy a direct die. It does assist, though it isn't sufficient to justify risking your CPU's destruction. The cost difference isn't huge either. How much performance gain you get will vary—some games won't notice, others might improve 5-10% with faster RAM. It's quick enough in most cases that I'd consider spending the extra $30, especially because in a typical 4090/13900K setup that's just a small margin.