Asus Tuf Gaming Z890-Plus Wifi LGA 1851 Motherboard

ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi Motherboard: Comprehensive Review

1. Introduction

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi motherboard stands as a testament to ASUS’s commitment to delivering high-performance, durable, and feature-rich motherboards tailored for gamers and professionals alike.

2. Design and Build Quality

The motherboard showcases a robust ATX form factor with dimensions of 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm. Its design incorporates military-grade components, ensuring longevity and reliability. The PCB features an 8-layer design, enhancing signal integrity and heat dissipation.

3. CPU and Chipset Compatibility

Equipped with the Intel® Z890 chipset, the motherboard supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) using the LGA1851 socket. This combination ensures compatibility with the latest CPU technologies, including Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0.

4. Memory Support and Overclocking

The motherboard supports up to 192GB of DDR5 memory across four DIMM slots. It offers overclocking capabilities up to 9066+ MT/s (OC), ensuring optimal performance for memory-intensive applications. Features like ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile III (AEMP III) and DIMM Fit enhance memory compatibility and performance tuning.

5. Expansion Slots and Graphics Support

For graphics and expansion, the motherboard provides:

• 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot (SafeSlot)
• 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (supports x4 mode)
• 1 x PCIe 4.0 x4 slot
• 2 x PCIe 4.0 x1 slots

The SafeSlot design reinforces the PCIe slots, ensuring secure GPU installation and longevity.

6. Storage Options and Performance

Storage capabilities include:

• 4 x M.2 slots:
  • M.2_1: PCIe 5.0 x4
  • M.2_2: PCIe 4.0 x4
  • M.2_3: PCIe 4.0 x4
  • M.2_4: PCIe 4.0 x4 & SATA modes
• 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports

These options provide flexibility for various storage configurations, including NVMe RAID setups.

7. Networking Capabilities

Networking features encompass:

• Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet with TUF LANGuard
• Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) supporting 2.4/5/6GHz bands
• Bluetooth® v5.4

These ensure high-speed wired and wireless connectivity, catering to modern networking demands.

8. Audio Features

Audio is powered by the Realtek ALC1220P 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC, supporting 32-Bit/192 kHz playback. Features include:

• DTS Audio Processing
• Audio shielding
• Premium audio capacitors
• Dedicated audio PCB layers

These enhancements deliver immersive and high-fidelity audio experiences.

9. AI Enhancements and Software Utilities

ASUS integrates AI features such as:

• AI Cooling II: Automatically adjusts fan speeds for optimal cooling.
• AI Networking II: Prioritizes network traffic for smoother online experiences.
• AI Advisor: Provides system optimization recommendations.

These utilities simplify system management and enhance performance.

10. Cooling Solutions and Thermal Management

Thermal management is addressed through:

• Enlarged VRM heatsinks
• M.2 heatsinks
• Hybrid fan headers
• AIO pump header

These components ensure efficient heat dissipation, maintaining system stability under load.

11. Connectivity and I/O Ports

I/O options include:

• Rear:
  • 1 x Thunderbolt™ 4 USB Type-C® port
  • 1 x USB 20Gbps port (USB Type-C®)
  • 3 x USB 10Gbps ports (Type-A)
  • 3 x USB 5Gbps ports (Type-A)
  • 1 x DisplayPort
  • 1 x HDMI port
  • 5 x Audio jacks
  • 1 x Optical S/PDIF out port
• Front:
  • 1 x USB 20Gbps connector (USB Type-C®)
  • 1 x USB 5Gbps header
  • 2 x USB 2.0 headers

These ports provide extensive connectivity for various peripherals.

12. BIOS and Firmware Features

The UEFI BIOS offers:

• EZ Flash 3 for BIOS updates
• CrashFree BIOS 3 for recovery
• AI Overclocking for performance tuning
• Q-Fan Control for fan management

These features facilitate system customization and maintenance.

13. RGB Lighting and Aesthetics

Aesthetically, the motherboard includes:

• Aura Sync RGB lighting
• 3 x Addressable Gen 2 headers
• TUF Gaming logo with RGB illumination

These elements allow for personalized lighting setups, enhancing system appearance.

14. Durability and Military-Grade Components

Durability is ensured through:

• TUF Components: Military-grade capacitors and chokes
• TUF LANGuard: Enhanced surge protection
• Stainless-steel back I/O panel

These components contribute to the motherboard’s longevity and reliability.

15. Ease of Installation and DIY Features

User-friendly features include:

• PCIe Slot Q-Release
• M.2 Q-Latch
• Pre-mounted I/O shield
• BIOS FlashBack™ button

These facilitate straightforward installation and upgrades.

16. Conclusion

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi motherboard amalgamates performance, durability, and user-centric features, making it an ideal choice for gamers and professionals seeking a reliable and future-ready platform.

FAQs

Q1: What processors are compatible with the ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi motherboard?
A1: It supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) using the LGA1851 socket.

Q2: Does the motherboard support DDR5 memory?
A2: Yes, it supports up to 192GB of DDR5 memory across four DIMM slots, with overclocking capabilities up to 9066+ MT/s.

Q3: What are the networking features of this motherboard?
A3: It includes Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet with TUF LANGuard and Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) for high-speed wired and wireless connectivity.

Q4: Are there any AI features integrated into the motherboard?
A4: Yes, it features AI Cooling II, AI Networking II, and AI Advisor for system optimization and management.

Q5: What storage options does the motherboard offer?
A5: It provides four M.2 slots (including one PCIe 5.0 x4) and four SATA 6Gb/s ports, supporting various storage configurations.

Link to Official Page