Asus Rog Strix Z790-a Gaming Wifi D4 Vs Asus Tuf Gaming Z790-plus Wifi D4

The latest generation of Intel processors, the 13th Gen Raptor Lake CPUs, demand a powerful and feature-rich motherboard to unleash their full potential. Two standout options from ASUS are the ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 and the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4. In this extensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two Z790 motherboards, examining their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Aesthetics

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 exudes a sleek and futuristic aesthetic with its angular lines and bold ROG branding. The board’s dominant black color scheme is complemented by subtle RGB lighting accents that can be customized using ASUS’s Aura Sync software.

In contrast, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 adopts a more utilitarian design, prioritizing durability and functionality over flashy aesthetics. Its military-grade components and reinforced construction ensure exceptional longevity and reliability.

Connectivity and Features

Both motherboards offer comprehensive connectivity options, including:

• PCIe 5.0 x16 Slots: 1 (ROG Strix) vs. 2 (TUF Gaming)
• PCIe 4.0 M.2 Slots: 4 (ROG Strix) vs. 3 (TUF Gaming)
• USB Ports: 8 (ROG Strix) vs. 6 (TUF Gaming)
• Ethernet: 2.5GbE (ROG Strix) vs. 1GbE (TUF Gaming)
• Wi-Fi: WiFi 6E (ROG Strix) vs. WiFi 6 (TUF Gaming)

The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 boasts a slight edge in connectivity with its additional PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, fourth M.2 slot, and faster 2.5GbE Ethernet. However, the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 compensates with its two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, which can be beneficial for multi-GPU configurations.

Power Delivery and VRM

The power delivery system is crucial for providing stable and efficient power to the CPU. The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 features a 16+1 power stage VRM with 90A power stages, while the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 has a 14+1 power stage VRM with 80A power stages.

Both motherboards offer robust power delivery, but the ROG Strix has a slight advantage in terms of overall power capacity and efficiency.

Cooling and Thermal Design

Effective cooling is essential for maintaining optimal performance and system stability. The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 features an extensive heatsink design with a large VRM heatsink, chipset heatsink, and dedicated M.2 heatsinks.

The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 also provides a capable cooling solution with its VRM heatsink, chipset heatsink, and M.2 heatsink. However, it lacks the dedicated M.2 heatsinks found on the ROG Strix.

BIOS and Overclocking

ASUS motherboards are renowned for their user-friendly BIOS and comprehensive overclocking options. Both the ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 and TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 offer intuitive BIOS interfaces with advanced overclocking features.

However, the ROG Strix has a slight edge in this area with its dedicated overclocking profiles and AI-powered overclocking tools, making it a more suitable choice for enthusiasts who want to push their systems to the limit.

Value and Conclusion

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 and ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 are both excellent Z790 motherboards that offer a range of features and performance capabilities. The ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 is the superior choice for users seeking the best possible performance, with its superior power delivery, advanced cooling design, and comprehensive overclocking options.

However, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 offers a more budget-friendly option with its solid performance, durable construction, and adequate connectivity options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which motherboard has better power delivery?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 has a slightly better power delivery system with 90A power stages compared to the 80A power stages on the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4.

Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 slots?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 has one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, while the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 has two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots.

Q: Which motherboard has better cooling?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 has a more comprehensive cooling design with dedicated M.2 heatsinks, while the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi D4 lacks dedicated M.2 heatsinks.

Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 has a slight edge in overclocking with its dedicated overclocking profiles and AI-powered overclocking tools.

Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are suitable for gaming, but the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 offers slightly better performance and overclocking capabilities, making it the better choice for demanding gamers.