ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi ATX Motherboard - Durable PCIe 5.0 DDR5

Our review of the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi finds it to be a dependable, no-nonsense ATX motherboard for gamers and builders who want modern connectivity and durable construction without overcomplicated extras. The single biggest reason to consider this board is its balanced combination of an upgraded 16+1 DrMOS power solution and a comprehensive cooling package, which together provide stable performance for Intel 12th, 13th and 14th Gen CPUs while supporting PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory. It is well suited to long gaming sessions and heavy multitasking where thermal management and sustained power delivery matter.

Key Features

• Socket and CPU support: Ready for Intel LGA 1700 processors from recent 12th, 13th and 14th Gen families, giving access to current Intel performance tiers.
• Power and stability: The 16+1 DrMOS design with DigiPlus VRM and ProCool sockets delivers clean, reliable power under load for sustained gaming and content creation.
• Cooling: Comprehensive cooling includes a large VRM heatsink, fanless PCH heatsink, M.2 heatsinks and hybrid fan headers controlled by Fan Xpert 4 for better temperature management.
• Storage and expansion: Four M.2 NVMe slots and PCIe 5.0 support enable high-speed storage and future-proof add-in cards for demanding workflows.
• Connectivity: Built-in WiFi 6 AX201, Intel I225-V 2.5Gb LAN and front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C plus Thunderbolt 4 (USB4) header provide flexible, high-speed network and peripheral options.
• Durability and build: Military-grade TUF components, SafeDIMM and PCIe 5.0 Safeslot improve longevity and make handling and upgrades easier for builders.

Who It's For

This board is aimed at PC builders who want a sturdy mid-to-high-end foundation for gaming rigs using current Intel desktop CPUs and DDR5 memory, especially those planning fast NVMe storage and high-bandwidth GPUs that will benefit from PCIe 5.0 readiness. It also suits users who value onboard networking and a solid cooling array for long sessions.

Those who should look elsewhere include budget builders on a strict price cap who do not need DDR5 or PCIe 5.0, and compact-system builders limited to mATX or mini-ITX form factors since this is a full ATX board with desktop-oriented features and layout.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Robust 16+1 DrMOS power delivery and DigiPlus VRM provide stable performance under sustained load.
• Comprehensive cooling with VRM and M.2 heatsinks plus Fan Xpert 4 keeps temperatures controlled during extended sessions.
• Generous connectivity including WiFi 6, 2.5Gb LAN, Thunderbolt 4 header and front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C improves flexibility for peripherals and networking.
• Four M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 support offer future-proof storage and expansion options.

Cons

• Some users report mixed experiences with network reliability, so out-of-box connectivity may require troubleshooting in a few setups.
• As a full ATX board, it is not suitable for small form-factor builds that need mini-ITX solutions.

Specifications

Socket	LGA 1700
CPU Support	Intel 12th, 13th and 14th Gen
Memory	DDR5
PCIe	PCIe 5.0 support
M.2 Slots	4x M.2 NVMe
Networking	WiFi 6 AX201 and Intel I225-V 2.5Gb LAN
Audio	Realtek S1200A codec with AI Noise Canceling Mic

Our Verdict

The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi is a pragmatic choice for gamers and builders who want a durable, well-cooled ATX motherboard with modern connectivity and expansion headroom. Its strong power delivery, multiple M.2 slots and Thunderbolt 4 compatibility make it good value for those investing in DDR5 and high-speed storage, while the TUF build quality helps ensure long-term reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this board support 14th Gen Intel processors?
Yes, the board is LGA 1700 ready and supports Intel 12th, 13th and 14th Gen CPUs according to the design.

How many M.2 drives can be installed?
The motherboard includes four M.2 NVMe slots for high-speed storage expansion.

Is WiFi included on the board?
Yes, onboard WiFi 6 AX201 is included, plus Intel I225-V 2.5Gb LAN for wired networking.