ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard Review Perfect for High-Performance PC Builds

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Built for Gamers: First Impressions of the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi

I recently had the chance to test the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi, and let me just say, this motherboard is a beast in every sense of the word. It’s designed with serious gamers in mind, featuring PCIe 5.0, DDR5 compatibility, and a robust cooling system that screamed “performance” from the moment I unboxed it. The attention to detail—like the military-grade components and the sleek black aesthetic—gives it a premium feel without going overboard. But as great as it is, some quirks need to be addressed.

Design and Build Quality

The design of this motherboard is unmistakable. It carries the signature TUF Gaming series aesthetics, blending geometric patterns with the subtle glow of Aura RGB lighting. What stands out the most, though, is the pre-mounted I/O shield and SafeDIMM slots, which make installation a breeze even if you’re not a PC-building pro. I didn’t fumble around like I usually do with some boards, so that’s a big win for me.

The build itself feels durable. With 16+1 DrMOS power stages, ProCool sockets, and TUF capacitors, this thing is built to last. I imagine it could handle marathon gaming sessions or even a minor earthquake (though I wouldn’t recommend testing the latter). At almost three pounds, the weight alone tells you this is no flimsy piece of hardware.

Performance That Packs a Punch

Performance-wise, this motherboard is hard to beat. DDR5 RAM support with speeds up to 7200 MHz? Yes, please. I paired it with the latest Intel processor, and the result was buttery-smooth multitasking, even while gaming at high settings and streaming simultaneously. The combination of WiFi 6 and Intel I225-V 2.5Gb LAN ensured my online gaming sessions were lag-free. No more blaming ping for losing to a 12-year-old in an FPS match.

The 4x M.2 slots blew my mind. I installed a couple of NVMe SSDs, and the boot times were nearly instantaneous. If you’re someone who hoards games or files, you’ll appreciate the storage capacity this board offers.

Comprehensive Cooling System

Heat management is critical for gamers, and this motherboard takes it seriously. The heatsinks on the VRMs and M.2 drives work overtime to keep temperatures in check. Even after hours of testing, the system stayed comfortably cool. The Fan Xpert 4 utility allowed me to tweak fan speeds without diving into overly complicated settings, which was a plus. I didn’t have to deal with any annoying fan noise, either—just smooth, quiet operation.

Immersive Gaming Features

One of the highlights for me was the audio quality. The Realtek S1200A codec delivers crisp, immersive sound. Whether I was blasting enemies in a game or listening to music, the clarity was impressive. The AI Noise-Canceling feature also came in handy. My friends on Discord noted a significant improvement in my mic quality, even with a fan running in the background.

On the flip side, while the Aura Sync lighting is customizable, it felt a bit limited compared to some competitors. It’s great for syncing with other RGB components, but don’t expect endless customization options.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional durability with military-grade components.
• Fast connectivity featuring Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 6, and multiple USB Type-C ports.
• User-friendly installation with features like Q-LED and SafeDIMM.
• High-performance cooling system that keeps components from overheating.

Caveats

• Limited Aura Sync customization compared to some high-end rivals.
• Larger size may not fit smaller PC cases easily.
• Slightly steep learning curve for tweaking advanced settings.

Rival Brands

Comparing the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi to other options like the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite, it holds its own quite well. The MSI board offers more extensive RGB customization, while the Gigabyte option boasts slightly better VRM cooling. However, neither competes with the ASUS board’s 16+1 power stages, which offer unmatched stability and efficiency during heavy workloads.

Where ASUS wins is in its user-friendly features like the M.2 Q-Latch and pre-mounted I/O shield, making it ideal for first-time builders. If you’re someone who values longevity and ease of use over flashy extras, this is the better choice.

Bang for the Buck

While this motherboard isn’t the cheapest option on the market, it’s worth every penny for what you get. Military-grade durability, cutting-edge connectivity, and rock-solid performance make it a smart investment for gamers who demand reliability. Compared to other high-end motherboards, it strikes a balance between price and features, making it an excellent value proposition for both casual and hardcore gamers alike.

If you’re looking for a motherboard that can handle everything from gaming to heavy multitasking while offering durability and flexibility, this one is definitely worth considering.

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