Quick Overview
- In terms of aesthetics, the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi exudes a rugged and military-inspired design, complete with angular lines and a camouflage pattern.
- On the other hand, the Prime Z790-A WiFi adopts a more minimalist approach, featuring a sleek black and silver color scheme and subtle accents.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi come equipped with a suite of features and software to enhance the user experience.
In the realm of PC building, choosing the right motherboard is paramount. It serves as the foundation for your system, connecting all the essential components and enabling them to communicate seamlessly. When it comes to ATX motherboards compatible with Intel’s 13th-generation processors, two contenders stand out: the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi. Both motherboards boast impressive features, but which one emerges victorious? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specifications, performance, and features to determine the ultimate winner.
Performance and Power Delivery
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi share the same LGA 1700 socket, supporting Intel’s 13th-generation Core processors. However, they differ in their power delivery systems. The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi features a robust 16+1 power stage design, while the Prime Z790-A WiFi employs a 14+1 configuration. This difference may impact overclocking capabilities, with the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi potentially offering better headroom for pushing the CPU to its limits.
Connectivity and Expansion Options
Both motherboards offer extensive connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, SATA ports, and M.2 slots. However, the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi boasts a slight edge in terms of expansion capabilities. It features two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, allowing for the installation of the latest graphics cards. In contrast, the Prime Z790-A WiFi only provides one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot. Additionally, the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi includes a Thunderbolt 4 header, enabling high-speed data transfer and display connectivity.
Cooling and Aesthetics
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi prioritize cooling to ensure stable system operation. Both motherboards feature large heatsinks on the VRM and chipset, aiding in heat dissipation. However, the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi goes a step further with its M.2 heatsink, which helps prevent overheating of NVMe SSDs.
In terms of aesthetics, the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi exudes a rugged and military-inspired design, complete with angular lines and a camouflage pattern. On the other hand, the Prime Z790-A WiFi adopts a more minimalist approach, featuring a sleek black and silver color scheme and subtle accents.
Features and Software
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi come equipped with a suite of features and software to enhance the user experience. Both motherboards support AI overclocking and AI cooling, allowing users to optimize system performance and thermals with minimal effort. Additionally, they offer comprehensive customization options through the Armoury Crate software, enabling users to personalize lighting effects, fan profiles, and other system settings.
Price and Value
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi typically retails for a slightly higher price compared to the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi. This difference in cost reflects the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi’s superior power delivery, additional PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, Thunderbolt 4 header, and M.2 heatsink. However, the Prime Z790-A WiFi still offers excellent value for budget-conscious builders, providing a solid foundation for a high-performance PC build.
The Verdict: Which Motherboard Should You Choose?
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi are both exceptional ATX motherboards that cater to different needs and budgets. If you seek the ultimate in performance, power delivery, and expansion capabilities, the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi is the clear choice. However, if you prioritize cost-effectiveness and still desire a feature-rich motherboard, the Prime Z790-A WiFi is an excellent option.
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations
When selecting a motherboard, it’s essential to consider factors beyond the specifications and features. Here are some additional aspects to keep in mind:
- Compatibility: Ensure that the motherboard is compatible with your chosen CPU, memory, and other components.
- Form Factor: ATX motherboards are the most common form factor, but other options like Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX may be suitable for compact builds.
- Upgrade Path: Consider whether the motherboard offers upgradeability options, such as support for future generations of CPUs or additional expansion slots.
- Brand Reputation: ASUS is a reputable brand known for its high-quality motherboards. However, other brands like MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock also offer excellent options.
What People Want to Know
1. Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi or the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi has a more robust power delivery system, potentially offering better overclocking headroom.
2. Q: How many M.2 slots do these motherboards have?
A: Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi offer four M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs.
3. Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi has a slight edge in terms of USB ports, offering a total of 10 USB ports compared to the Prime Z790-A WiFi’s 8 USB ports.