Aorus Z390 Xtreme Waterforce Motherboard Review

The I/O panel is rather self explanatory thanks in part to the completely integrated I/O shield which is also part of the shroud.  At the top there are the two Wi-Fi antenna followed by the 1GB Intel Ethernet connection and USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectors.  Next to that is the new 10GB Ethernet connector followed by two more USB 3.1 ports.  There are a total of six more USB ports ranging from 2.0 up to 3.1 based on the color of the port.  HDMI provides access to the onboard video

The onboard audio solution found on the Xtreme gold plated jacks and supports 8-channel audio.

We have come to expect more goodies from our high-end motherboards to help justify the additional cost.  Aorus has included some really good stuff with their motherboard and is pictured below.

In terms of documentation you will get very healthy users guide which will help you locate all of the key components on the motherboard and can even help troubleshoot POST codes in the event you have problems booting.  High-end motherboards really require that a user’s manual be included especially for users that don’t get the opportunity to build 2-3 machines a week.

The basic accessories include SATA and LED strip headers, SLI HB bridge for two way SLI (two cards) and two external Wi-Fi towers.  These can be placed anywhere and tend to work best when you rarely move your computer.  Personally I would have liked to see an alternative antennae option with something smaller and the option to use the towers.

To wrap things up you’ll get a pretty cool sticker set to help dress up your build.