ASUS Maximus Z790 Dark Hero Layout vs the Hero (Water-cooling Question)

[UserX]

Hello everyone,
I have a custom hardline cooling loop for an RTX4090 and 13900KS on an ASUS Maximus Z790 Hero. I’m hoping to reuse the loop –without modifications— on an ASUS Maximus Z790 Dark Hero with a 14900K. The water block will work fine but I’m concerned about the location of the LGA 1700 and the PCIe slot nearest the CPU on the Dark Hero vs the Hero. If something has moved on the new board, I will need to cut new lines. Does anyone know if there have been any changes to the layout of the LGA 1700 and/or the PCIe slot nearest the CPU on Dark Hero vs Hero?

From what I can tell, the Dark Heros LGA 1700 and PCIe nearest the CPU have not moved or changed? If this is the case, I can simply do a drop-in replacement of the MOBO, GPU and CPU without any modifications to the cooling loop.

P.S.
I understand that this is not an upgrade. I have a failed CPU and need to get my system up and running. I’m working on a replacement form the OEM but I’m having a hard time dealing with them. The OEM currently does not have the 13900KS in stock and has offered the 14900K as a replacement for a $60.00 upcharge. The upcharge makes no sense to me seeing that the 14900K is cheaper than the 13900KS but that is another story for another forum.  I figured I would go ahead and purchase the MOBO and CPU and do a drop-in replacement while I work on the RMA. I will use the RMA gear for another rig.

[Silent_Scone · Accepted solution]

Hi @UserX,

The PCIE16_1 is in the same location on the Dark Hero.

The Apex Encore has however moved the PCIE16_1 down by a one slot spacing.

[UserX]

Great and thank you. I think that the socket is in the same location as the Hero as well. This should be a drop-in replacement without having to cut new tubing. Thanks again.