Main points
- Two standout contenders in the Z790 chipset arena are the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 and the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4.
- The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4, on the other hand, embodies a more rugged and utilitarian design, featuring a military-inspired camouflage pattern and durable construction.
- Choosing between the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 and the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
The latest generation of motherboards has arrived, and with it comes a plethora of options for enthusiasts and gamers alike. Two standout contenders in the Z790 chipset arena are the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 and the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4. Both boards offer an impressive array of features, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the depths of these motherboards to uncover their strengths, weaknesses, and which one reigns supreme.
Design and Aesthetics
The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 exudes a sleek and futuristic aesthetic, with its sharp angles, bold lines, and RGB lighting that illuminates the board with vibrant hues. The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4, on the other hand, embodies a more rugged and utilitarian design, featuring a military-inspired camouflage pattern and durable construction. Ultimately, the choice between these two designs depends on your personal preferences.
Chipset and Features
Both motherboards are based on the Intel Z790 chipset, providing support for the latest 13th generation Intel Core processors. The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 boasts a total of 16+1 power stages, ensuring stable power delivery even under demanding overclocks. It also features a premium audio codec, the SupremeFX ALC4080, for immersive audio experiences.
The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4, on the other hand, has 14+1 power stages and a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec. While slightly less powerful than its ROG counterpart, it still offers a robust feature set. Both boards include a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E, Gigabit Ethernet, and multiple USB ports.
Memory and Storage
The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz. It features four DIMM slots, allowing for flexible memory configurations. The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 also supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, but it is limited to speeds of 5333MHz. Both boards offer ample storage options, including M.2 PCIe 5.0 slots for lightning-fast storage devices.
Expansion Slots
The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 comes equipped with three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, providing ample room for multiple graphics cards or other expansion cards. The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 has two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot. Both boards also offer multiple PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for additional expansion options.
Connectivity and I/O
The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 boasts a comprehensive array of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and 10Gb Ethernet. It also features a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port for blazing-fast data transfers. The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 offers Wi-Fi 6E, Gigabit Ethernet, and a single USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port.
Cooling and VRM
The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 features a robust cooling system, including a large VRM heatsink with multiple heatpipes. The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 also has a capable cooling system, but it is slightly less elaborate than its ROG counterpart. Both boards provide ample cooling options for both the CPU and the VRM, ensuring stable performance even under heavy loads.
Verdict
Choosing between the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 and the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you demand the absolute best performance, the ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 is the clear winner. It offers a more powerful VRM, premium audio codec, and faster memory support.
However, if you are on a tighter budget or prioritize durability, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 is an excellent choice. It still provides a robust feature set, including support for the latest Intel processors and ample connectivity options.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 has a more powerful VRM and higher memory support, making it better suited for overclocking.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: Both motherboards offer ample storage options, including multiple M.2 PCIe 5.0 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has better connectivity?
A: The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 has more comprehensive connectivity options, including 10Gb Ethernet and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port.