{"product_id":"asus-z890-ayw-gaming-wifi-w-atx-motherboard-ai-pc-ready","title":"ASUS Z890 AYW Gaming WiFi W ATX Motherboard - AI PC Ready","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the ASUS Z890 AYW Gaming WiFi W is presented as a high-end ATX motherboard aimed at builders who want future-proof connectivity and power for Intel Core Ultra processors. The bottom line: it is best for enthusiasts and content creators who need a robust power delivery system, multiple M.2 slots and modern I\/O, with the single biggest reason to buy being its combination of a strong 12+1+2+1 80A DrMOS power design and a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot that together support demanding CPUs and next-generation storage. The review examines thermals, expandability and practical day-to-day use rather than marketing claims.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced AI PC-Ready:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed to support AI workloads and future Intel Core Ultra processors, offering a platform that is ready for emerging compute needs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRobust Power Solution:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 12+1+2+1 80A DrMOS power stages with ProCool connectors and alloy chokes deliver stable voltage for heavy multi-core loads and sustained boost behavior.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNext-gen Connectivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e DDR5 memory compatibility and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot allow higher memory bandwidth and fastest GPU or add-in card support for future upgrades.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStorage Flexibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Four M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 and three PCIe 4.0, let builders populate high-speed NVMe drives with dedicated heatsinks to reduce thermal throttling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComprehensive I\/O:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rear and front USB 20Gbps Type-C support, Thunderbolt (USB4) header compatibility and 2.5Gb LAN plus Wi-Fi bring ample bandwidth for peripherals and networking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDIY-Friendly Extras:\u003c\/strong\u003e Q-Release PCIe, M.2 Q-Latch, BIOS FlashBack and a pre-mounted I\/O shield simplify installation and troubleshooting for system builders.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ASUS Z890 AYW is aimed at PC builders who prioritize performance headroom and connectivity: game streamers, video editors and professionals who will use fast NVMe storage, high-core-count Intel Core Ultra CPUs and need reliable VRM cooling. Its feature set makes it a strong base for multi-drive, multi-GPU or high-speed peripheral setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who should look elsewhere include casual users on a strict budget or builders who do not need PCIe 5.0 or multiple M.2 slots; a more modest Z-series board or an H-series option will be a better value if advanced power delivery and top-tier connectivity are unnecessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtensive power delivery and cooling features support sustained high CPU loads without frequent thermal throttling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultiple M.2 slots with dedicated heatsinks and a PCIe 5.0 option future-proof high-speed storage builds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGenerous high-speed I\/O including dual USB 20Gbps Type-C, Thunderbolt header support, Wi-Fi and 2.5Gb LAN for modern peripherals and networking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilder-friendly features like Q-Latch, Q-Release and BIOS FlashBack reduce assembly friction and troubleshooting time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-end feature set may be unnecessary for casual users and adds complexity and cost relative to simpler motherboards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eForm Factor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eATX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSocket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntel LGA 1851 (Intel Core Ultra series 2 ready)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Stages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12+1+2+1 80A DrMOS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMemory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDDR5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCIe Slots\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCIe 5.0 x16 main slot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM.2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 x M.2 (1 x PCIe 5.0, 3 x PCIe 4.0) with heatsinks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNetworking\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gb LAN\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ASUS Z890 AYW is a well-rounded choice for builders who want a future-ready motherboard with strong power delivery, multiple high-speed storage options and extensive I\/O. It represents good value for enthusiasts and professionals who will use PCIe 5.0 storage or high-core-count Intel Core Ultra processors, though its capabilities exceed the needs of budget or casual systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this board support Intel Core Ultra processors?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it is Intel LGA 1851 socket ready for Intel Core Ultra series 2 processors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many M.2 drives can be installed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt supports four onboard M.2 drives: one PCIe 5.0 slot and three PCIe 4.0 slots, all with cooling solutions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use Thunderbolt devices?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe board includes a Thunderbolt (USB4) header for compatible add-in cards to enable Thunderbolt connectivity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ASUS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48176094183643,"sku":"B0DTCPWTG7","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/81mlGA17NzL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1769489043","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/asus-z890-ayw-gaming-wifi-w-atx-motherboard-ai-pc-ready","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}