ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 Plus WiFi
Overview
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 Plus WiFi is a feature-packed ATX motherboard designed for gamers and PC builders who demand reliability, performance, and future-proofing. Built on Intel's Z790 chipset, it supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core processors (LGA 1700), making it a versatile foundation for high-end gaming rigs and productivity workstations.
Who Is It For?
This motherboard is ideal for enthusiasts who want to build a powerful Intel-based system without overspending on premium 'ROG' branding. It's perfect for gamers who need multiple high-speed NVMe SSDs, content creators who require fast DDR5 memory, and anyone who values military-grade durability and stable performance under heavy loads.
Key Features and Performance
- DDR5 Memory Support: With four DIMM slots, it supports up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM at speeds up to 7200MHz (OC), ensuring snappy multitasking and smooth gameplay.
- PCIe 5.0 Ready: The primary PCIe x16 slot is PCIe 5.0-compatible, ready for the latest graphics cards and high-bandwidth add-in cards.
- Quad M.2 Storage: Four M.2 slots (including one PCIe 5.0 x4) provide blazing-fast NVMe SSD options for rapid game loading and file transfers.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: Includes USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, and a Thunderbolt 4 (USB4) header for future-proof peripherals.
- Robust Power Design: A 16+1 DrMOS power stage and ProCool II power connectors ensure stable power delivery to the CPU, even during intense overclocking.
- Durability & Cooling: TUF components, including TUF Chokes and capacitors, are certified for extreme conditions. Comprehensive VRM and M.2 heatsinks keep temperatures in check.
- WiFi 6E & 2.5Gb Ethernet: Enjoy low-latency online gaming and fast file transfers with built-in WiFi 6E and Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet.
Performance Highlights
In real-world usage, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 Plus WiFi excels at handling demanding tasks. Whether you're gaming at 4K, streaming, or rendering 3D models, the combination of DDR5 speed and PCIe 5.0 bandwidth ensures no bottlenecks. The BIOS is user-friendly, offering one-click overclocking profiles and extensive tuning options for enthusiasts.
Use Cases
This motherboard is a perfect match for:
- High-refresh-rate gaming PCs with RTX 40-series or Radeon RX 7000 GPUs.
- Content creation workstations that require fast storage and memory.
- Custom water-cooling builds, thanks to multiple fan headers and pump support.
- Future upgrades to next-gen Intel processors (within LGA 1700).
With its balanced feature set, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 Plus WiFi stands out as a reliable and cost-effective choice for serious builders.
Key Specifications
Detailed Parameters
- Platform:
- Intel
- Socket:
- LGA 1700
- RAM Type:
- DDR5
- Number of RAM Slots:
- 4
- Maximum RAM/slot:
- 64
- Maximum RAM Capacity in GB:
- 256
- PCI Express Version:
- 5
- Form Factor:
- ATX
- Maximum RAM Speed in MHz:
- 7200
Pros
- Excellent DDR5 overclocking support up to 7200MHz
- Four M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support for one
- Robust power delivery (16+1 DrMOS) for high-end CPUs
- WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast networking
- Thunderbolt 4 header for future connectivity
Cons
- No integrated Wi-Fi antenna in the box (external required)
- Only one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot (others are PCIe 4.0)
- Limited RGB headers compared to premium ROG boards