What To Know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus is an ATX motherboard, while the ASUS Prime Z690-A is a micro-ATX motherboard.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a 16+1 phase power delivery system, while the ASUS Prime Z690-A has a 14+1 phase power delivery system.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, while the ASUS Prime Z690-A has a Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and ASUS Prime Z690-A are two of the most popular motherboards for Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake CPUs. Both boards offer a wide range of features and capabilities, but there are some key differences between them. In this blog post, we will compare the two motherboards in detail to help you decide which one is right for you.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and ASUS Prime Z690-A use the Intel Z690 chipset. This chipset supports Intel‘s 12th-generation Alder Lake CPUs, as well as older 11th-generation Rocket Lake CPUs. The Z690 chipset also supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory.
Form Factor
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus is an ATX motherboard, while the ASUS Prime Z690-A is a micro-ATX motherboard. ATX motherboards are larger than micro-ATX motherboards, and they offer more expansion slots and features. However, micro-ATX motherboards are more compact and affordable.
Power Delivery
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a 16+1 phase power delivery system, while the ASUS Prime Z690-A has a 14+1 phase power delivery system. A higher phase count indicates a more robust power delivery system, which is important for overclocking.
Cooling
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a large heatsink that covers the VRM and chipset. The ASUS Prime Z690-A has a smaller heatsink that only covers the VRM. Both motherboards also have fan headers for additional cooling.
Storage and Connectivity
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has four SATA 6Gb/s ports and three M.2 slots. The ASUS Prime Z690-A has four SATA 6Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots. Both motherboards also have USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, as well as Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Networking
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a 2.5GbE LAN port and a Wi-Fi 6E module. The ASUS Prime Z690-A has a 1GbE LAN port and a Wi-Fi 6 module.
Audio
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, while the ASUS Prime Z690-A has a Realtek ALC897 audio codec. The ALC4080 is a newer and more advanced codec than the ALC897, and it offers better sound quality.
RGB Lighting
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a number of RGB lighting zones, while the ASUS Prime Z690-A has fewer RGB lighting zones. Both motherboards can be controlled using ASUS’s Aura Sync software.
Price
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus is more expensive than the ASUS Prime Z690-A. The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus typically costs around $250, while the Prime Z690-A typically costs around $200.
Wrap-Up
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and ASUS Prime Z690-A are both excellent motherboards for Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake CPUs. The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus is a more premium motherboard with a more robust power delivery system, better cooling, and more RGB lighting. The Prime Z690-A is a more affordable motherboard with a more compact form factor. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your individual needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a more robust power delivery system, which makes it better for overclocking.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has more storage options, with four SATA 6Gb/s ports and three M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has better audio quality, thanks to its Realtek ALC4080 audio codec.
