What To Know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus offers a higher level of features and performance than the ASUS Prime Z690-P, but it also comes with a higher price tag.
- Ultimately, the choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and the ASUS Prime Z690-P depends on your specific needs and budget.
- If you’re on a tighter budget and value affordability, the Prime Z690-P is a solid choice that still offers excellent performance and connectivity options.
The world of PC hardware is constantly evolving, with new motherboards hitting the market to meet the demands of gamers and builders alike. In this blog post, we delve into the depths of two exceptional motherboards from ASUS: the TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and the Prime Z690-P. We’ll compare their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision about your next motherboard upgrade.
Specifications and Features
| Feature | ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus | ASUS Prime Z690-P |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z690 | Intel Z690 |
| Memory | Up to 128GB DDR5 (5600MHz) | Up to 128GB DDR5 (4800MHz) |
| Storage | 4x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots | 3x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots |
| Network | 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E | 1GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6 |
| USB | 10x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 8x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Audio | Realtek S1220A HD Audio | Realtek ALC897 HD Audio |
| BIOS | UEFI BIOS with AI Overclocking | UEFI BIOS with AI Overclocking |
Design and Build Quality
TUF Gaming Z690-Plus:
The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus boasts a rugged and durable design, with a reinforced metal backplate and military-grade components. Its black and gray color scheme exudes a sleek and professional aesthetic.
Prime Z690-P:
The Prime Z690-P, on the other hand, offers a more subdued design with a black and silver color palette. It features a solid construction but lacks the same level of reinforcement as the TUF Gaming Z690-Plus.
Performance and Overclocking
Memory Performance:
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, but the TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a slight advantage in terms of overclocking potential, allowing for higher memory speeds.
Storage Performance:
The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus provides four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, while the Prime Z690-P offers three. This gives the TUF Gaming Z690-Plus more options for high-speed storage expansion.
Overclocking:
Both motherboards feature AI Overclocking technology, making it easy to optimize your system performance. However, the TUF Gaming Z690-Plus offers a wider range of overclocking settings for experienced users.
Connectivity and Features
Network:
The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus boasts a 2.5GbE LAN port and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, providing faster and more stable networking. The Prime Z690-P has a 1GbE LAN port and Wi-Fi 6, which is still adequate for most users.
USB:
The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus offers more USB ports, including four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports. The Prime Z690-P has fewer USB ports but still provides ample connectivity options.
Audio:
The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus features a higher-quality Realtek S1220A HD Audio codec, providing better sound quality for gaming and entertainment.
Value and Conclusion
Value:
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus offers a higher level of features and performance than the ASUS Prime Z690-P, but it also comes with a higher price tag. The Prime Z690-P provides a more affordable option for those who prioritize value over extreme performance.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and the ASUS Prime Z690-P depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a durable and feature-rich motherboard with exceptional overclocking capabilities, the TUF Gaming Z690-Plus is the way to go. If you’re on a tighter budget and value affordability, the Prime Z690-P is a solid choice that still offers excellent performance and connectivity options.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a more robust VRM cooling solution, with larger heatsinks and more efficient airflow.
Q: Can I use PCIe 5.0 devices with these motherboards?
A: No, neither the TUF Gaming Z690-Plus nor the Prime Z690-P support PCIe 5.0.
Q: Which motherboard has more fan headers?
A: The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has more fan headers, allowing for better cooling control.
Q: Can I overclock my CPU on both motherboards?
A: Yes, both motherboards support CPU overclocking, but the TUF Gaming Z690-Plus offers more advanced overclocking settings.
Q: Which motherboard has better RGB lighting options?
A: The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has more RGB lighting zones and customization options.
